Man Holding His Tricorn in His Hand - Jules de Goncourt

A refined etching by Jules de Goncourt depicting a man in eighteenth-century dress, characterised by precise linework and historical detail.

This etching by Jules de Goncourt captures a figure dressed in eighteenth-century attire, holding a tricorn hat. The work reflects the nineteenth-century fascination with the Rococo period, a theme frequently explored by the Goncourt brothers in their literary and artistic pursuits. The subject stands in a relaxed posture, his clothing rendered with precise, rhythmic lines that define the folds of his coat and breeches.

In the background, a sculptural element featuring a sphinx provides a classical counterpoint to the central figure. The composition relies on clear, confident linework, typical of the etching techniques employed by the artist during this period. The floor is suggested through a simple grid, grounding the figure in a defined space without unnecessary clutter. The print demonstrates a keen observation of historical costume and a disciplined approach to graphic form.

Jules de Goncourt, alongside his brother Edmond, was a significant figure in the French literary and art circles of the mid-nineteenth century. Their shared interest in the art of the previous century informed much of their creative output, including this study of historical dress. The print is a clean, monochromatic example of the period's graphic arts, focusing on the silhouette and the texture of the garments. The light source is implied through the shadow cast by the figure, adding a sense of physical presence to the etching. This piece offers a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of the Goncourts, who championed the revival of eighteenth-century styles in their own work.