The High-Fired Service: Rooster (counterproof) - Félix Bracquemond

A refined etching by Félix Bracquemond, featuring a rooster design created for the iconic Service Rousseau dinnerware collection.

This etching by Félix Bracquemond represents a specific design element from the famous 'Service Rousseau', a dinner service commissioned by the Parisian dealer François-Louis Rousseau. Bracquemond, a central figure in the French printmaking revival, drew heavy inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints, particularly the works of Hokusai. This influence is evident in the economy of line and the deliberate, asymmetrical composition of the rooster.

In this counterproof, the image appears reversed from the original copper plate. The rooster is rendered with minimal, precise strokes that define its form without the need for heavy shading or complex modelling. The bird occupies the space with a sense of quiet observation, its posture suggesting a moment of stillness. Bracquemond utilised the etching process to capture the character of the animal through clean, rhythmic lines that mimic the fluidity of ink drawings.

The 'Service Rousseau' project was a significant endeavour in the nineteenth century, merging fine art sensibilities with functional ceramic design. By applying these motifs to tableware, Bracquemond helped popularise the aesthetic principles of Japonisme among the French bourgeoisie. The rooster, a frequent subject in his work, demonstrates his ability to distil natural forms into graphic symbols. This print offers a clear view of his technical precision and his interest in the decorative potential of animal subjects. The stark contrast between the black ink and the paper surface emphasises the graphic quality of the design, making it a study in balance and negative space. It remains a clear example of the intersection between printmaking and the decorative arts during the late nineteenth century.