A Fine Architectural Lithograph: Portal Details of St. Hildebert, Gournay

Artist: Alexandre-Évariste Fragonard (1780–1850) Dated: 1822

This sophisticated 1822 lithograph, identified as Plate 106, offers a detailed architectural study of the Romanesque portal and decorative stonework of the Church of St. Hildebert in Gournay-en-Bray. Produced during the French Restoration, this work is a premier example of 19th-century topographical art, documenting the "Gothic and Romanesque Revival" that swept through Europe.

The plate features Fragonard’s meticulous rendering of the church’s archivolts and chevron motifs—distinctive zig-zag patterns that are a hallmark of Norman architecture. The lithography is exceptionally atmospheric, utilizing a rich tonal range to capture the centuries of weathering on the stone, from the deep shadows of the recessed arches to the crisp highlights on the carved edges.

The print is presented in a Black Ebony  frame, which provides a bold, border.

This work belongs to the celebrated series Voyages Pittoresques et Romantiques dans l'Ancienne France. Under the artistic direction of Alexandre-Évariste Fragonard, the series became a cornerstone of Romanticism, aiming to preserve the soul of France's medieval monuments. Fragonard, the son of the legendary Rococo painter, brought a uniquely dramatic and painterly sensibility to architectural drafting, ensuring that plates like P106 were viewed as fine art rather than mere technical diagrams.

Dealer’s Comment

"Plate 106 is particularly desirable for its focus on the 'chevron'—one of the most recognizable and pleasing motifs in Romanesque design. Fragonard’s ability to give stone a sense of 'movement' and history is on full display here. The deep ebony-style frame gives the piece a sharp, gallery-ready finish, making it an ideal choice for a corridor or study where its architectural lines can be truly appreciated."

Condition Report

The lithograph is in good antique condition, with the image remaining sharp and the contrast strong. The paper shows a gentle, uniform age-toning and very light peripheral foxing, consistent with its 200-year history and confirming its period authenticity.

Newly framed to a high professional standard using a ebony frame. All materials used in the framing are archival to ensure the long-term preservation of the lithograph.

Measurement

Height:            52 cm /     inch

Width:             42 cm /     inch

Depth:             2 cm /     inch

Weight:           1.9 k.g. /    lbs