The hercules mesquin - from les dames galantes is an original b / w etching on laid ivory-colored paper, by émile boilvin. Excellent condition, with fresh impressions, this is a rare specimen before a letter (i.f.f. 56). On the lower margin ''d.ap. Ed. Beaumont / e. Boilvin''. From the volume ''the seven speech affecting gallant ladies sieur of brantôme'', text by pierre bourdeilles brantôme, published by jouaust, paris, 1882 this is one of ten original b / w etchings from the edward beaumont edition: original drawings by edward de beaumont, engraved by boilvin. Limited edition, 220 copies. Image dimensions: 13.5 x 9 cm the boilvin's illustrations for this volume are the following: frontispiece - portrait of brantome, the lady whipped prickly the birds, the gant in bed the garter, spanish cavaliers the bold and timid cardinal lorraine l hercules mean the front of the lady. Emile boilvin (metz 1845 - paris, 1899) emile boilvin is a 19th century french painter and printmaker, a pupil of isidore pils and pierre edmond alexandre hédouin. He exhibited at the salon of painting and sculpture in the ''french engravers'' section, from 1865. He won't the ''grand prix'' at the universal exhibition of 1889. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no official proof of authenticity, however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising from misattribution