The Coconut Seller – Antique engraving by Carle Vernet, engraved by Debucourt – Paris, early 19th century

A tender and witty street scene by the great Carle Vernet (1758–1836), a major figure in French drawing during the First Empire.

Entitled "The Coco Vendor," this colored etching illustrates a gallant exchange between a decorated soldier and a street vendor, a picturesque symbol of working-class Paris in the 19th century.

This print was drawn by Carle Vernet, engraved by Louis-Philibert Debucourt (1755–1832), and published in Paris by Charles Bance, 20 rue J.-J. Rousseau.

It belongs to the famous series of Street Vendors of Paris, several examples of which are now held at the Carnavalet Museum – History of Paris. Vernet, with his keen and ironic eye, depicts urban life in Imperial Paris with a blend of humor, grace, and popular truth.
The composition, enhanced by hand, is remarkably fresh despite its age and retains all the charm of an antique print.

The work is presented in its original Parisian frame, bearing on the reverse a label from the workshop of L. Bernard, rue de Penthièvre, Paris, which specialized in gilding and art framing.

Characteristics:

Title: The Coconut Seller

Artist: Carle Vernet (1758–1836)

Engraver: Louis-Philibert Debucourt (1755–1832)

Publisher: Charles Bance, Paris (20 rue J.-J. Rousseau)

Period: Empire/Restoration, circa 1810–1820

Technique: Etching with hand-colored highlights

Inscriptions in the plate:

Drawn by C. Le Vernet

Engraved by Debucourt

Registered with the Directorate

Framing: Antique wood, Parisian framer's label on the back

Overall dimensions: Height 42 cm – Width 32 cm (16.5” x 12.6”)

Condition: Good overall condition, stains and wear Time, harmonious original patina. Antique glass.

Provenance:
French private collection.
Antique frame from the Parisian workshop of L. Bernard, rue de Penthièvre.

Ref: 2YSGHZ1057