Le Bouvier (The Cowherd)

5 1/8" x 7 7/8" [Mannocci 18, iv A (of vi)] (1636)

Le Bouvier has long been considered by many connoisseurs to be Claude's greatest etching. It is in any case among his finest.

In 1859, Samuel Bradshaw made an engraving which is an almost exact copy of this print. He called it "The Sylvan Calm". My impression is colored. Here it is:


It is really quite beautiful. It is interesting to consider that while the original Claude print shown above is quite valuable, the Bradshaw, even in its perfect condition, is nearly "worthless" -- I bought it for $25!