RARE ORIGINAL FRENCH ETCHING FROM A LIMITED EDITION OF ONLY 380 COPIES — PARIS, 1877 CHÂTEAU DE LA SOURCE ESCALIER DU SECOND ÉTAGE THE SECOND-FLOOR STAIRCASE A rare original nineteenth-century French etching — eau-forte — created by Antoine Monnier and issued in Paris in 1877 as part of his remarkable bibliophile publication “Le Haschisch”. Only 380 copies of the original edition were produced. Of these, 340 were printed on papier vélin, 30 on Hollande paper and only 10 on Chine paper. This example is printed on the substantial natural-white papier vélin used for the 340-copy issue. It is an authentic impression from the original 1877 publication, printed from Monnier’s etched plate — not a modern reproduction or later decorative print. CHÂTEAU DE LA SOURCE Monnier identified both the building and the precise architectural subject beneath the image: “Château de la Source — Escalier du second étage”. The composition presents the imposing staircase leading to the château’s second floor. A great curving flight of steps rises through an elaborate interior, enclosed by sculptural balustrades and walls covered with repeated fleur-de-lis motifs. A slender hound stands prominently in the foreground, introducing an unexpected living presence into the otherwise monumental architectural setting. Two figures appear at the lower right, partially absorbed by the surrounding shadows and ornament. The steep perspective draws the eye upwards through successive landings, carved stonework and sweeping architectural curves. Monnier transforms the staircase into something more than a documentary interior: it becomes a mysterious, almost theatrical space, suspended between architectural reality and Romantic imagination. The contrast between the immense staircase, the solitary animal and the small human figures gives the composition an unusual sense of scale and atmosphere. Dense cross-hatching and deep areas of shadow heighten the impression of silence, grandeur and concealed history. Related architectural views of the Château de la Source by Antoine Monnier are preserved in the collection of the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Genève, confirming the subject as part of Monnier’s documented visual treatment of the château. RARITY AND COLLECTOR’S INTEREST This is an especially appealing subject within Monnier’s work because it combines several collecting fields: nineteenth-century French printmaking, historic architecture, Romantic interiors, bibliophile illustration and unusual animal imagery. Unlike a generic imaginary staircase, the building and location are specifically identified in the original printed title. The broad original sheet also retains the complete inscriptions beneath the composition. Its striking vertical design, elaborate interior and mysterious narrative atmosphere make it particularly suitable for a cabinet of curiosities or a collection devoted to architectural fantasies, Romanticism and nineteenth-century works on paper. BIBLIOPHILE ORIGIN The etching was issued in “Le Haschisch. Contes en prose, sonnets et poèmes fantaisistes”, written and illustrated by Antoine Monnier and published in Paris by Léon Willem in 1877. The book was conceived as an unusual union of literature and original printmaking, bringing together poetry, prose, dark Romanticism, fantasy, architectural imagery and visionary art. The original etchings were printed by Auguste Delâtre, one of the leading Parisian intaglio printers of the nineteenth century. The printed signature “ANTOINE MONNIER” remains clearly visible beneath the image at lower left, while the Delâtre printing inscription appears at lower right. The original title is printed centrally below the composition. TECHNIQUE AND IMPRESSION Original etching / eau-forte, printed in black ink on substantial natural-white papier vélin. The impression is dark, crisp and richly detailed. Monnier’s layered etched lines and extensive cross-hatching remain clearly defined throughout the architecture, including within the deepest areas of shadow. A strong plate mark surrounds the composition and is clearly visible on both the front and reverse of the sheet, produced by the pressure exerted during the original intaglio printing process. The generous margins preserve the visual character of the original bibliophile edition and provide ample space for conservation mounting and professional framing. DETAILS Artist and etcher: Antoine Monnier Title: Château de la Source — Escalier du second étage English title: Château de la Source — The Second-Floor Staircase Date: 1877 Technique: Original etching / eau-forte Signature: Plate signed “Antoine Monnier” Printer: Auguste Delâtre Publisher: Léon Willem, Paris Original publication: Le Haschisch Edition: 380 copies in total Paper issue: One of 340 copies issued on papier vélin Paper: Substantial natural-white wove paper Country of origin: France DIMENSIONS Sheet: 31.5 × 24.7 cm Approximately 12.4 × 9.7 inches Printed composition: 20 × 14.5 cm Approximately 7.9 × 5.7 inches Sold unframed. CONDITION Good antique condition. The sheet is complete and retains broad original margins, a strong plate mark and a dark, sharply defined impression. A light brown tide mark and associated discoloration are visible across the upper margin, more pronounced towards the upper left when viewed from the front. On the reverse, an irregular brown area of old moisture-related staining is more noticeable along the upper edge, particularly towards the upper right. There are also scattered small foxing spots and age-related marks, light marginal toning and faint traces of handling consistent with a work on paper dating from 1877. These signs of age are concentrated predominantly within the surrounding margins and on the reverse. They do not enter or detract significantly from the printed composition, which remains clean, strong and visually impressive. No tears or paper losses affecting the image, title or printed inscriptions are visible. The lower edge retains its naturally irregular antique paper finish. Please examine all photographs carefully. They show the actual etching offered and form an essential part of the condition description. SHIPPING Carefully packed flat with rigid protection. Tracked and insured shipping.