Crapaud Bronze (Premiere Version)
Lithograph printed on MBM laid paper, c. 1883. Reference: Bourcard & Goodfriend 18bis i/ii; NYPL image ID 1101508. An extremely rare impression of this composition; a trial version of B & G 18, which was published in the famous Japonisme portfolio, Paris, April 1885. See Bourcard annotation and Goodfriend further description. First state of two, before the plate was cancelled. No known edition. (see 2nd image) It is unclear whether the annotation in the NYPL (see below), which states only twelve impressions were pulled from this plate, refers to the cancelled, second state, or to all states. Initialed "FB" in the plate. Also annotated "Bronze encrier - Coll. Ph. Burty" in the middle left plate area. Finally annotated "d'après un croquis de M. Ph. Burty". Plate: 9 ? x 6 1/4 inches (237 x 159 mm). Very fine impression in pristine condition, on what is likely the original full sheet (12 _ x 9 inches).
