Les Ecrevisses à Longchamps

Les Ecrevisses à Longchamps is a collaborative lithograph created in 1822 by artists Eugène Delacroix and Charles Etienne Pierre Motte. This rare print exemplifies the rapidly expanding role of lithography in French art during the period spanning 1801 to 1825, a critical phase marked by the rise of Romanticism and the industrialization of printmaking.

As a lithograph, the work utilized the groundbreaking printing technique recently popularized across Europe, allowing artists greater freedom and speed in graphic production compared to traditional engraving. While Delacroix provided the initial design or compositional sketch, Motte, frequently acting as both lithographer and publisher, was instrumental in translating Delacroix’s early compositions onto the stone. The collaboration between Delacroix and Motte was essential for the wide dissemination of imagery, making high-quality French prints accessible to a broader audience.

The piece dates to a pivotal moment in Delacroix’s artistic development, firmly aligning him with the nascent Romantic movement in Paris. His early and frequent engagement with lithography proved foundational for his subsequent career, demonstrating his interest in graphic experimentation alongside his monumental oil compositions. The subject, often translated as "The Crayfish at Longchamps," likely refers to a specific contemporary social observation or satirical scene connected to the historic Longchamps Abbey, a well-known leisure destination near the French capital during the Restoration era.

This specific impression of the lithograph is classified as a print within the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art. Such historical works, originating from the early 19th century, contribute significantly to the understanding of graphic arts and the dissemination of artistic styles in the public domain during this dynamic period. Motte’s technical proficiency ensured the longevity and fidelity of the original design envisioned by Delacroix.