Architectural Lithograph Study: St. Hildebert, Gournay - Fragonard 1822 (Plate 107)

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

This elegant 1822 lithograph, designated as Plate 107, provides a masterful close-up study of the architectural columns and transitional masonry within the Church of St. Hildebert in Gournay-en-Bray, Normandy. Part of the celebrated "Normandy" volumes of the Voyages Pittoresques, this plate focuses on the verticality and structural grace of the Romanesque interior.

The work is signed and dated in the plate Fragonard 1822. It captures the intricate "basket-weave" and foliate carvings of the capitals, as well as the robust, rhythmic fluting of the columns. Fragonard’s technical skill is evident in the way he renders the soft light filtering through a medieval nave, catching the edges of the stone and creating a sophisticated play of highlights and deep, velvety shadows.

The print is housed in a new deep Black Ebony-style frame. The deep-profile moulding provides a contemporary, architectural border that mirrors the strength of the stone columns depicted, making it a striking piece for both period and modern interiors.

Alexandre-Évariste Fragonard was a central figure in the French Romantic movement, tasked with documenting the nation's architectural heritage. Plate 107 is a key part of this record, showcasing the transition from the heavy Romanesque to the early Gothic influences found in Normandy. These plates were not merely records; they were artistic interpretations meant to inspire a sense of "Romantic Awe" in the 19th-century viewer.

Dealer’s Comment

"Plate 107 is often sought after for its vertical composition, which makes it particularly effective as a standalone piece or as part of a grouped 'gallery wall.' The new deep ebony-style frame gives the 200-year-old paper a crisp, clean aesthetic. It is an excellent example of how fine 19th-century draughtsmanship can feel entirely relevant in a 21st-century home."

Condition Report

The lithograph is in good antique condition. The paper shows very light, natural age-toning and perhaps a faint, authentic 'foxing' mark to the margin, which acts as a hallmark of its 1822 origin.

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

Measurement

Height:            61 cm /     24 inch

Width:             50 cm /     19.7 inch

Depth:             3.5 cm /     1.4 inch

Weight:           2.7 k.g. /    6 lbs