Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Portrait of Joseph Méry – French Poet and Publicist, 19th Century Lithograph

$516.12
£384.06
€440
CA$705.24
A$795.04
CHF 421.39
MX$9,801.63
NOK 5,122.58
SEK 4,923.61
DKK 3,347.28
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Portrait of Joseph Méry – French Poet and Publicist, 19th Century Lithograph This elegant mid-19th-century lithograph features the French poet, novelist, and publicist Joseph Méry (1797–1866), rendered in a relaxed yet dignified pose. Seated against a loosely sketched coastal or mountainous backdrop, Méry gazes slightly to his right with a thoughtful expression, his attire refined and his presence composed. This portrait captures the Romantic spirit of the time, presenting the writer as a contemplative observer of the world around him. The lithograph was drawn by Le Gout-Gérard and published by Goupil, Vibert & Cie, one of the most respected art publishers of the era, known for high-quality prints distributed internationally. It was issued in Paris, London (by Ernest Gambart & Co., 25 Berners Street), and New York (by Goupil, Vibert & Co., Broadway). The print is numbered 27 and likely dates to circa 1855, a peak period of both Méry’s career and the height of lithographic portraiture. Joseph Méry was a prominent literary figure known for his sharp wit, political satire, and dramatic writing. He collaborated with authors such as Alexandre Dumas and composed libretti for operas by composers like Verdi and Auber. An active voice in the public sphere, he was admired for his clever commentary and influential publications, which spanned journalism, poetry, and fiction. Lithography was the dominant print technique for portraiture in this period, ideal for conveying the fine facial expressions and textures seen in this image. The artist skillfully balances detail in the sitter’s tailored clothing and facial features with soft, atmospheric shading in the background. Condition report: The lithograph is in very good condition. The image area is clean and sharply rendered, with only minimal age spotting visible in the wide margins. There is no trimming or loss, and the sheet remains well-preserved. Framing suggestions: This portrait would suit a dark wood or black frame with a slim gold or bronze liner to enhance its classic character. A light cream or pale taupe mat will accentuate the tonal contrast without overpowering the delicate drawing. Use UV-protective glass to preserve the integrity of the image. This piece is perfect for libraries, salons, or collections focused on 19th-century literature, journalism, or portraiture.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.95 in (53.2 cm)Width: 15.16 in (38.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1855
  • Condition:
    The lithograph is in very good condition. The image area is clean and sharply rendered, with only minimal age spotting visible in the wide margins. There is no trimming or loss, and the sheet remains well-preserved.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14097-81stDibs: LU3054345469542

More From This Seller

View All
Jacob Cats – Dutch Poet and Statesman, 19th-Century Hand-Colored Lithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Jacob Cats – Dutch Poet and Statesman, 19th-Century Hand-Colored Lithograph Item Description: This 19th-century hand-colored lithograph portrays Jacob Cats, one of the most beloved poets and moralists of the Dutch Golden Age. Born in 1577, Cats served as a jurist, politician, and Grand Pensionary of Holland, but he is best remembered for his richly illustrated emblem books and rhymed moral teachings that were household staples in the Netherlands for centuries. His work influenced generations of Dutch families and writers alike. Cats is depicted seated at his writing desk, pen in hand, with books and manuscripts surrounding him. His composed yet thoughtful expression, modest attire, and scholarly setting all reflect the dual life he led as both a literary figure and a statesman. The background features shelves of books, a richly patterned tablecloth, and finely detailed textures that emphasize his intellectual world. This lithograph was drawn by W F Hoevenaar and printed by P W van de Weijer in Utrecht. It demonstrates the refined character and quiet dignity often associated with Cats' legacy, rendered with subtle, hand-applied color and careful linework. Details: - Subject: Jacob Cats, Dutch poet, jurist, and statesman - Date: Circa 1850 - Technique: Hand-colored lithograph - Artist: W F Hoevenaar - Printer: P W van de Weijer, Utrecht - Sheet size: [Insert measurements here] - Condition: Good; well-preserved with clear detail and minimal signs of aging - Printed title below image: Jacob Cats Framing Suggestion: Best presented in a classic wooden frame with archival matting and UV-protective glass. A soft ivory or parchment-colored mat will highlight the literary tone of the piece. Shipping: Professionally packed and shipped worldwide from our gallery in the Netherlands. Keywords: Jacob Cats portrait, Dutch Golden Age poet, antique Dutch lithograph...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft – Dutch Golden Age Poet, 19th-Century Lithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft – Dutch Golden Age Poet, 19th-Century Lithograph This refined 19th-century hand-colored lithograph features Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, one of the most cele...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Portrait of Thomas Couture – 19th Century French Lithograph by Le Gout-Gérard
Located in Langweer, NL
Portrait of Thomas Couture – 19th Century French Lithograph by Le Gout-Gérard This 19th-century lithograph presents a refined portrait of the French painter Thomas Couture (1815–187...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Portrait of Giacomo Meyerbeer by Le Gout-Gérard – 19th Century Lithograph, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
Portrait of Giacomo Meyerbeer by Le Gout-Gérard – 19th Century Lithograph, circa 1855 This refined lithograph portrays the renowned 19th-century German composer Giacomo Meyerbeer (1...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Portrait of Alphonse de Lamartine – 19th Century Lithograph by Le Gout-Gérard
Located in Langweer, NL
Portrait of Alphonse de Lamartine – 19th Century Lithograph by Le Gout-Gérard This finely executed 19th-century lithograph features the eminent French poet, politician, and historia...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

19th-Century Lithograph Compilation of Medieval Polearms and Weapons
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 19th-Century Hand-Coloured Lithograph Compilation of Medieval Polearms and Weapons Description: This exquisite hand-coloured lithograph compilation features a striking arr...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

19th Century Lithograph, a Portrait of a Dancer
Located in Opole, PL
We present you this black and white lithograph depicting Caroline Vilhelmine Fjelsted (1821-1881), a Danish theatrical dancer. The author is Elias John Cardon. The graphic was ...
Category

Antique 1840s Danish Prints

Materials

Paper

Joseph B. Pruitt Signed Original 19th Century Lithograph of Waves Crashing
Located in Chicago, IL
Magnificent restored mid-19th century lithograph in it's original frame. Transporting your senses to a place far away is what great art does, thus being the case with this. The waves...
Category

Antique 1890s English Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of Twenty Framed 19th Century French Portrait Etchings
Located in Chicago, IL
A fantastic set of twenty 19th century framed etchings of Roman and Greek emperors, statesmen, and philosophers including Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Cicero, Marcus Brutus...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Photography

Materials

Paper

French 19th Century Hand-colored Fragonard Lithograph
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A striking French lithograph originally conceived by the 18th century painter Fragonard, reimagined in the 19th century by engraver Mathieu Barathier. Titled “Le Recit” which transla...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper

Pair of 19th Century Belgian Botanical Lithographs
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of framed prints of 19th century lithographs, Belgium, circa 1870. The two prints depict five different peaches; the first Alexander and R...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Prints

19th Century Framed Lithograph of John Forsyth
Located in High Point, NC
This is a lithograph of John Forsyth, who was the 13th Secretary of State of the United States, serving under both Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. It is most likely from the ...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Prints

Materials

Glass, Burl, Paper