EDMOND VALÈS | VEILLEUR DE NUIT (THE NIGHT WATCHMAN) | ORIENTALISM | ETCHING

An atmosphere of silence and waiting where the lamplight reveals the intimacy of a night in the Maghreb.

HISTORY AND CURATORIAL ANALYSIS

The Ritual of Waiting. In this engraving, Edmond Valès (1918-2001) invites us to share the solitude of an archetypal figure from North African culture: the night watchman. Far from depicting tension or danger, Valès captures a moment of introspective pause. The protagonist, wrapped in his heavy djellaba to protect himself from the desert cold, holds a glass of tea, an indispensable companion during the long hours of vigil.

Visual Analysis: Mastery of Chiaroscuro The etching technique allows the artist to construct the scene through light and shadow.

• The Atmosphere: The dark and dense background, achieved through a thick grid of lines, envelops the character and focuses all attention on his weathered face and hands.

• The Details: Valès is a meticulous chronicler. Every object tells the story of the night: the brazier beneath the steaming kettle, the oil lamp illuminating the scene from below (creating theatrical shadows on the face), and the walking stick resting against the wall. Even the solitary slipper in the foreground adds a touch of humanity and repose.

• Texture: The engraver's stroke becomes especially sensitive when describing the folds of the fabric and the texture of the skin, conveying the weight and warmth of the clothing against the night's cold.

WHY IS THIS PIECE AN OPPORTUNITY?

• Humanistic Orientalism: Unlike the fanciful Orientalism of the 19th century, Valès offers an ethnographic, respectful, and realistic vision. It is an honest window into a traditional way of life.

• Technical Quality: This is a limited and numbered edition (copy 30 of 150), guaranteeing its exclusivity compared to mass-produced copies. The drawing technique is academic and masterful.

• Timeless Aesthetics: The black and white (or very dark sepia) print has a restrained elegance that fits into any setting. It is a work that invites calm and reflection.

• Format: The dimensions of the work are generous for a print, giving it a significant presence on the wall.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Author: Edmond Valès (Signed "E. Valès" in pencil in the lower right corner).

• Title / Theme: Veilleur de Nuit (Night Watchman).

• Year/Period: 20th Century (Probably the middle decades, c. 1950-70).

• Technique and Support: Etching on paper.

• Dimensions: Artwork: 32.5 x 50 cm | Frame: 48.5 x 66.5 cm.

• Edition: 30/150 (Numbered in pencil in the lower left corner).

• Provenance: Private collection.

• Condition: Excellent.

• Inspection Guarantee: 14-day money-back guarantee to inspect the work in person.

THE WORKSHOP NOTE

I selected this print for its technically sound execution and its atmosphere. Valès manages to construct a believable night scene using only the etching process, without the need for color. I was particularly interested in how he handles the lighting from below, focusing the eye on the gesture of the hands and the tea. It is a restrained and classic work, a good choice for those looking for a well-drawn graphic piece that brings calm to the space without being jarring.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This work is delivered accompanied by a technical sheet and historical context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research.