Early 20th century color stipple engraving signed Léon David titled "Le Petit Jour" (The Break of Day) after the original works of Swiss painter Sigmund Freudenberger (1745-1801) and French engraver Nicolas Delaunay (1739-1792).

Sigmund Freudenberger studied as a portraitist. He lived from 1765 to 1773 in Paris, where he worked with François Boucher and Jean-Michel Moreau. He then founded in a private art school in Bern and was known as "Little Master" for his genre-like depictions of rural life.

In the early 20th century (1910’s-1920’s) there was a notable revival market in France and the UK for high quality, hand-inked restrikes and artistic interpretations of classic Rococo salon scenes. Léon David specialized in creating meticulously hand-colored revival etchings and engravings for collectors. This beautiful hand-colored stipple engravings, formally designated as an "Artist Proof" within a limited edition is verified by Léon David's original pencil signatures in the lower right margins.

Housed inside an antique gilt wood frame, under glass with a lovely off white, almost peachy matting. Equipped for wall handing. The frame does have some wear with age, such as missing wood and gilt but the engraving is in beautiful antique condition!

Measurements: 21 1/2” x 17 1/2” (not including top decoration to frame)