Bon à tirer proof of an interior still life by Josep M.ª Draper, with books, vessels and fine diagonal linework.
Light in the etching
The still life brings together books, rounded fruit and vessels with plant motifs on a table. A chair, drawers and a glazed cabinet extend the space towards the rear. Fine diagonal lines cross the tabletop and furniture, becoming denser in shadowed areas.
The margin inscription
The lower left margin reads “Bon a tirer” in pencil. A second annotation, “fondo + claro : limpio”, appears in the upper right margin. Both notes are visible in photographs of the sheet.
Technical details
Artist: Josep M.ª Draper.
Title / Subject: Interior with Books and Flowers (interior still life).
Technique and support: Original etching on heavyweight cotton paper with natural deckle edges.
Edition / Catalogue: Bon à tirer master proof (B.A.T.), inscribed “Bon a tirer” in pencil in the lower left margin. Reference proof for approval of the edition.
Signature and inscriptions: Hand-signed “Draper” in pencil in the lower right corner.
Working annotation: Original handwritten pencil instruction “fondo + claro : limpio” in the upper right margin.
Dimensions: Paper: approximately 35 × 28.5 cm. Plate mark: square format; exact dimensions in millimetres remain to be catalogued.
The central bowl and tall decorated vase on the right introduce different heights. Rounded forms on the left contrast with the straight edges of books and furniture. The chair’s woven back adds a fine grid in the middle ground. Numerous oblique lines connect the foreground objects with the room behind, while lighter paper areas keep the composition open.
