Madame Bovary, Original Color Etching by Louis Icart

FYI: Madame Bovary is Gustave Flaubert's first published novel (1857) and considered his masterpiece. The story focuses on a doctor's wife, Emma Bovary, who has adulterous affairs and lives beyond her means in order to escape the banalities and emptiness of provincial life.

BIO: Louis Icart, a self taught artist, is the master of “boudoir art”. It was referred to as “boudoir art” because during the 1920’s to 40’s, most collectors felt that it was a little too risqué to display anywhere other than the bedroom. His art is a tribute to the beauty and gracefulness of the female form. Born in France in 1888, Icart had a love for the theater and had hoped to become an actor. Luckily for us, his life took him in a different direction. He had his first experience with art in 1907, hand coloring French beauties for a postcard company. Later on, he took a position as a fashion illustrator. He met his inspiration, Fanny, in 1914 and they were married six years later. During World War I, Icart fought for his beloved country first as an infantryman, but was soon a member of the 10th Airborne Division and was a pilot by 1916. He achieved the rank of Major by the time he left the military. Fanny was busy promoting and selling his etchings. Due to her efforts, Icart’s art was well received in France and the USA after the war. He had his first major art show in Paris in 1920. The happy couple made their home in the countryside just outside of Paris. Here, they were able to indulge their love for horses, dogs of all breeds, cats, birds and the gardens. They had one daughter that he was devoted to. The artist also had a large studio here. He worked mainly in etching with a combination of drypoint and aquatint on copper plate. His beautiful wife was the model for the majority of etchings that he created. Icart’s passion for life was reflected in his art. He was involved in the Parisian literary and theatrical social circles and was a gourmet cook. World War II halted the sale of his etchings and copper was difficult to obtain. He spent the years painting and chronicling the event. He died in 1950.

Item ID: 538