Puits de Ferme par Soir de Pleine Lune Voilée

Etching printed in brownish-black ink on laid paper. Reference: related to a group of etchings listed under BN-IFF 5 (such as "Mauvais Temps" and "La Pluie". Edition stated at 30, but unlikely, or mostly lost. We have yet to find a second impression of this etching anywhere. Signed in pencil. Also annotated "Epuisée tirer a 30 ep" in pencil, in the bottom sheet edge. 

NOTE: This unambitious composition harks back to the simplicity invoked by pre-impressionists such as Ludovic Napoléon Lepic, or Camille Corot, to name just two obvious comparisons. The subject is straightforward, and the etching technique is clear. But de Latenay focuses on biting some lines longer (stopping out the rest), such as one tree in the middle and some bushes. These darker elements create depth. And the artist leaves a lot of ink on the plate's surface, which is modulated to render the haze moonlight. These technical choices and the resulting image are simple, effective, and elegant.