An exceptionally rare and beautifully preserved pair of authentic late 18th-century French Rococo crayon manner colour engravings by Louis-Marin Bonnet (1736–1793), after the celebrated portrait studies of François Boucher (1703–1770).

Bonnet was one of the foremost engravers of the eighteenth century and became renowned for his innovative manière de crayon (crayon manner) printing technique. Using thousands of minute stippled impressions engraved into the copperplate, this remarkable process recreated the delicate softness, tonal variation and texture of original chalk and pastel drawings with extraordinary realism.

Authenticity & Period Features

* Original late 18th-century impressions by Louis-Marin Bonnet, after designs by François Boucher.

* Both prints remain in their original period gilt wooden frames.

* Original paper dust covers remain intact on the reverse, displaying centuries of natural oxidation and retaining the original hanging loops.

* Printed decorative blue, gold and fine black ruled borders are integral to the original sheets rather than later additions.

* Examination under magnification reveals the characteristic stippled crayon manner engraving technique, with none of the modern halftone or digital printing patterns found in later reproductions.

Condition

Both prints are in excellent antique condition, displaying an attractive, even age patina consistent with their eighteenth-century origin. The original gilt frames show gentle wear and rubbing commensurate with age. The reverse paper dust covers exhibit expected foxing, staining and oxidation accumulated over more than two centuries but remain structurally sound and undisturbed, preserving the integrity of the original framing.

These are superb examples of one of the most sophisticated printmaking techniques of the French Rococo period and represent an increasingly scarce opportunity to acquire genuine eighteenth-century works associated with two of France’s finest artistic names.