Promenade Matinale (original French title)

Etching and aquatint printed in color on wove paper, circa 1900.
Edition of 50. This print has become quite scarce.
We have encountered an impression with the stamp of Edmond Sagot, Paris. He may or may not have published this print, but he certainly was, for a time, Richard Ranft's dealer.
Signed and numbered in pencil.

Ranft always liked to depict the more enjoyable side of life: parties, sunny landscapes, elegant women. He didn't shy away from images of labor, but even those images convey a refined dignity. In Promenade Matinale Ranft gives us a snapshot of just how good life can get. Two beautifully dressed women are donning fine summer dresses on their morning walk. This is not a quick casual outing to have the dog go and do his business. The redheaded woman has taken the time to tie a black ribbon choker around her neck, while the black-haired woman slipped into a fitted and arresting red dress and took her fancy umbrella along. Puffy clouds suggest a lazy breeze. The blue-green water suggests the sun striking the water's surface. The umbrella and the light white dress evoke the possibility of summer heat. At their feet, a Belgian malinois (malinois noir) is trying to decide what comes next. Did he just come from a run, or is he about the take off? The elegant white cross is prominently displayed in this print. This dog was their owner's pride. This is the start of good day...

Excellent impression in excellent condition, aside from an area of discoloration in the top left sheet corner. The very faintest tone inside a prior mat window. Both condition issues unobtrusive.