Bidspirit auction | Fedor Hoffbauer (1839–1922) and Philippe

Fedor Hoffbauer (1839–1922) and Philippe Benoist (1813–1905), View of the Square du Temple, Paris, 1881 - An original lithographic print from the celebrated edition Paris à travers les âges , published by Firmin-Didot, Paris, circa 1881–1885. Bearing the official printed title ”SQUARE DU TEMPLE” at the top, and signed in the printing plate: ”F. Hoffbauer del.” and ”P. Benoist lith.” A beautiful and large-format historical lithographic print presenting a detailed bird's-eye panoramic view of the Square du Temple in the Third Arrondissement of Paris, as it appeared in 1881. The square, established in 1857 on the ruins of the historic compound of the French Order of the Knights Templar, is documented here in the midst of the flourishing Belle Époque period. The composition is rich in fascinating architectural and human detail: horse-drawn carriages and early omnibuses are seen crossing the streets, Parisian citizens stroll along the public garden paths among the trees, and period shop signs and commercial buildings surround the space (among them signs for cafés and the old gasworks). The work presents a winning combination between the remarkably precise topographic draftsmanship of architect Fedor Hoffbauer and the superb printmaking skill of lithographer Philippe Benoist. This print features delicate later hand-coloring that lends depth and soft tones to the sky and street space. The work is preserved in very good condition for its age, with slight yellowing. Framed under glass in a silver-toned wooden frame. Dimensions: 23 x 35 cm. Frame: 35.5 x 48 cm. Flaws to the frame on its right side: woodworm damage — replacement of the frame is required.  The series Paris à travers les âges is considered to this day one of the most important documentary and artistic undertakings ever made on the structural history of Paris, capturing the city just before and after the dramatic transformations led by Baron Haussmann. Fedor Hoffbauer devoted his life to the study and reconstruction of the buildings of the French city, earning enormous international recognition for this work. Philippe Benoist, one of the most prominent students of Louis Daguerre (inventor of photography), combined near-photographic precision with a soft pictorial quality, and his works are today highly sought after among collectors of classical prints and maps at auction houses worldwide.