The Octopus
1860
The Octopus, Emile Ulm. Etching, plate (separate), second half of the 19th Century, ca 1860. Sheet dimensions: 25.3 x 19.1 cm Plate mark dimensions: 19.7 x 13.3 cm Very good condition, wide margins. Watermarked laid paper. Remarkable engraving depicting a woman held captive by an octopus. The latter keeps her clinging to a rock just above the surface of the sea. The composition might evoke Andromeda, yet it could also represent another theme or symbolism. Indeed, this type of marine fantastical representation is quite typical of the 19th century. One might think of illustrations from Hugo's Toilers of the Sea, or illustrations by Jules Verne. Émile Ulm (1839–1896) was a French engraver and etcher associated with the revival of etching in the 19th century. His work is distinguished by often symbolist or fantastical compositions, of which the engraving we offer is an example. He blends sensuality with strange atmospheres. Ulm participated in sought-after bibliophile editions, where the image occupies an autonomous and expressive place. In this capacity, he notably collaborated with publisher René Pincebourde, who published plates (separate) intended for a collector's audience. This collaboration is part of the fin-de-siècle taste for refined and sometimes daring illustrated works.
Rare print by Emile Ulm, a renowned engraver and etcher of the 19th century. This depiction of the Octopus and the woman fully represents the symbolism and fantasy that were very popular at that time.
