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Frontispiece for "Zigzags d'un Curieux, d'Octave Uzanne"

Félix-Hilaire Buhot

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a cover and surrounding illustrations for a publication titled "Zigzags d'un Curieux." The drawing features intricate line work depicting a central illustration framed by an elaborate border filled with various figures, creatures, and decorative elements. The central panel shows an individual at a table reading, an owl nearby, and bats flying overhead. Below this scene, a small horse and various botanical and fantasy motifs decorate the border. The top features stylized text of the title and the author's name, Octave Uzanne. The composition is detailed and dense with visual information, suggesting themes of curiosity, intellect, and a touch of the fantastical, with its variety of diverse visual symbols and motifs.

Artwork Details

Date
1888
Medium
etching in black on beige japan paper
Dimensions
3645 × 4948 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original