Joseph Apoux

Joseph APOUX (✦1846-†1910) was born in the center of France but seems to have spent his adult life in Paris. It’s unclear under what circumstances brought him to the capital, and how much training he received as an artist. He is known to have studied with Jean-Léon Gérôme and to have exhibited paintings at the official salon as of 1880.

But today Apoux is remembered for black and white illustrations. In 1886 he exhibited at the Exposition Internationale du Blanc et Noir. Apoux was a fine etcher, who specialized in erotica. He tended to create sets, rather than isolated compositions. These themed series, such as Danseuses, Sorcières or Zodiaque, often came in sets of 6 prints. He also illustrated an openly sexual alphabet. Many of his compositions however are charming. Female nudes are not overly sexualized, but rather slightly humorous and suggestive of what promise their nudity holds.

Six Caprices (Six Etched Whims)

by Joseph Apoux (Date: c. 1890)

Six Caprices à l’Eau-Forte (original French title) (Six Etched Whims)

Frontispiece and six etchings on laid paper, housed inside a greenish-gray portfolio.

Complete set of 6 etchings, with an additional impression of the title image, also printed on the front cover of the portfolio.

Reference: not in BN-IFF, which mentions 6 other sets.

Edition unknown, but complete sets are definitely scarce today.

Published by L. Joly, Paris.

Plates: circa 6 ½ x 5 inches.

Size: indicated below is of the portfolio.

All etchings in very fine condition; two with slight evenly toned, unobtrusive. Some paper loss in the cover’s edges. The cover archivally consolidated with Japan paper. Overall a lovely set.

Erotica such as this one were in vogue throughout Europe at the time. Apoux specialized in them. This set is charming, the female nudes not overly sexualized. The women, each suggestively accompanied by a black cat, always chastely cover their pubis, and only one shows her backside. In each composition, the remarques make whimsical comments on the main theme.