Montparnasse - Original Etching by Jacques Joachim Jean Rigal - 1970s 1970s

Image dimensions: 34.5 x 44.5 cm. Montparnasse is an original etching by the French artist Jacques Joachim Jean Rigal (1926-1997). This is an original print from an edition of 30 prints, a beautiful artist's proof numbered in pencil in Roman numerals. Signed ''J.J.J. Rigal'' in pencil on lower right margin, and titled in pencil on lower margin at the center. In excellent condition, this contemporary artwork representing the famous Parisian neighborhood with bright colors on a black background. Jacques Joachim Jean Rigal (1926-1997) was born in Paris on July 29, 1926. He began to draw at the age of four and at age eight he was encouraged to persue this interest by artists Jacques Schiffrin, André Malraux and Jean Cassou. From the age of ten, he exhibited at the Salon d'Automne. In 1942, Rigal, then thirteen years old, moved with his family to Fontainbleau, where his father taught printmaking. In 1950, he began doing color etchings and illustrated many books for bibliophiles, especially texts by Béalu, Bigeault, Cassou, Dhôtel, Flaubert, Grosjean, Suares. He was associated with a number of Parisian artists, including Alexeïeff, Bonnard, Goerg and Villon. In 1954, he was awarded the National Prize of Engraving. As a printmaker, J.J.J. Rigal often composed suites of prints on thematic topics as diverse as Paris, trees, flowers, fruits, insects and the sea. In 1960 Rigal was appointed a member of the Society of Painters Engravers French and, in 1963, he was awarded the Prix de l'Ile-de-France Engraving and he became a member of the International Committee of the illustrated book and the National Committee of Engraving. In 1970, he produced an album on the capitals of the Common Market and London. Rigal’s oeuvre includes prints, paintings, watercolors, monotypes, small bronzes, washes and many drawings.