Jacques Joachim Jean Rigal, known as J.J.J. Rigal – Crépuscule

J.J.J. Rigal – *Crépuscule*, an autographed colour aquatint and etching from 1981

‘Crépuscule’ is an atmospheric landscape composition by the French printmaker Jacques-Joachim-Jean Rigal, known as J.J.J. Rigal (1926–1997) . Created in 1981, the work depicts bare trees against an evening sky, the colours of which range from pink to brown and orange. Reeds and delicate vertical structures in the foreground lend the landscape additional depth.

The original print was executed using a combination of etching and coloured aquatint . The different printmaking techniques create finely graded areas of colour and textures, which are particularly evident in the sky and the vegetation.

The work was printed on high-quality BFK Rives-Velin paper with a watermark visible when held up to the light. The print is part of a limited edition of 90 copies and bears the number 15/90 . Rigal has hand-signed the work in pencil in the bottom right-hand corner and dated it ‘81’. The number is located in the bottom left-hand corner, whilst the handwritten title ‘Crépuscule’ is centred on the sheet.

The sheet measures approx. 45 × 67 cm , is in excellent condition and is offered unframed.

Product details

• Artist: Jacques-Joachim-Jean Rigal / J.J.J. Rigal (1926–1997)
• Title: Crépuscule
• Year: 1981
• Technique: Etching and coloured aquatint
• Version: Original print
• Paper: BFK Rives velin paper
• Watermark: BFK Rives, visible when held up to the light
• Edition: Limited edition of 90 copies
• Copy: 15/90
• Signature: Hand-signed in pencil
• Date: ‘81’ in pencil
• Title: Handwritten at the bottom centre
• Dimensions: Approx. 45 × 67 cm
• Subject / Theme: Landscape / Evening atmosphere
• Style: Contemporary print
• Country of origin: France
• Period: 1980–1990
• Frame: No
• Condition: Excellent condition

About J.J.J. Rigal

Jacques-Joachim-Jean Rigal (1926–1997) , usually referred to as J.J.J. Rigal, was a French graphic artist and copperplate engraver. He was born in Paris and trained from an early age by his father, Edmond Rigal, in the techniques of intaglio printing. Over the course of his career, he became a leading figure in 20th-century French colour engraving.

Among other honours, Rigal received the National Engraving Prize in 1954 and became a member of the Société des Peintres Graveurs Français in 1960. Alongside his independent graphic works, he devoted himself intensively to illustrating bibliophile books. His extensive body of printmaking work comprises almost 800 pieces and was documented in a catalogue raisonné published by Somogy in 2017.

Landscapes occupy a prominent place in Rigal’s work. In ‘Crépuscule’, he combines delicate etching lines with the expansive and atmospheric possibilities of colour aquatint to create a tranquil, almost poetic evening landscape.