Antique original etching by Louis Ruet (1861–1951) after Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s famous painting “An Artist Showing his Work” (also known as The Print Collector / The Art Collectors).
Two 18th-century gentlemen in an artist’s studio examine a print or drawing amid a rich interior filled with paintings, portfolios and studio equipment. Signed “L. Ruet” in the plate; copyright “September 1899 by C. Klackner, 7 West 28th St. New York”. Small remarque of a draughtsman at work in the lower margin.
Presented in a gilt wood frame measuring approximately 48 cm wide × 57 cm high (sight/aperture 27.5 × 36 cm). Cream mat with gold fillet. Old trade label on the reverse for W. Boswell & Sons of Norwich (picture restorers & framers, est. 1725). Handwritten title “The Art Collectors Signed Etching”.
Slight chip to the glass in the top-right corner; frame shows normal age wear and minor gilding losses. Print appears in good condition with strong detail.
A classic decorative etching of a popular Meissonier subject, published for the Anglo-American market by Klackner. Ideal for collectors of 19th-century French etchings or studio/interior subjects.