Léon Lhermitte Antique Etching, Washerwomen at Saint-Malo, 1881

This antique etching by French Naturalist artist Léon-Augustin Lhermitte depicts washerwomen working in a narrow courtyard in Saint-Malo, Brittany. Created in 1881, the richly crosshatched composition captures women washing clothing in barrels, carrying baskets, and hanging laundry from upper windows. Its monochromatic palette and detailed portrayal of working life are presented in an aged reddish-brown wood frame with a gold-toned liner and deeply timeworn matting.

DETAILS
• Artist/Maker: Léon-Augustin Lhermitte, French, 1844–1925
• Title: Washerwomen at Saint-Malo / Lavandières à Saint-Malo
• Era/Date: Composition created in 1881; exact printing date unconfirmed
• Style: French Naturalism / Realism / Figurative genre art
• Medium/Material: Etching on paper
• Subject: Washerwomen laundering and hanging clothing in Saint-Malo, Brittany
• Original/Reproduction/Print: Antique etching impression; not a unique work
• Signed/Unsigned: Signed in the plate
• Signature Location: “L. Lhermitte” in the plate at lower left
• Frame Material/Finish: Molded reddish-brown wood frame with gold-toned inner liner
• Country of Origin: France

DIMENSIONS
Overall:
• Height: 18.25"
• Width: 16.25"
• Depth: 1"

Artwork/Image:
• Height: 9"
• Width: 7"

The Wellcome Collection records a platemark of approximately 9.8" × 7.1" for this composition. Measurements are approximate. Please review the photograph with the standard sized business card for scale.

CONDITION
Fair antique/pre-owned condition.

The etching exhibits overall age-related toning, scattered foxing or spotting, surface marks, and discoloration along the margins. The printed image remains readily visible, with strong linear detail and contrast. Because the work has not been removed from its frame, the full sheet, margins, reverse, watermark, and exact publication issue have not been examined.

The matting is heavily toned and discolored, with scattered stains, dark spots, abrasions, and marks. The gold-toned liner shows rubbing, oxidation-like discoloration, scratches, and finish loss. The reddish-brown wooden frame has scratches, scuffs, small dents, worn edges, finish variation, and minor separation at the mitered corners.

The original paper backing is extensively torn, brittle, peeling, and largely missing, exposing the aged wooden backboards and old nails. Archival rematting, replacement backing, and updated hanging hardware are recommended before display. The frame should be handled carefully in its present condition.

Please review all photos carefully for additional condition details. Vintage and pre-owned art, mirrors, and wall decor may show age-appropriate wear that is part of their history and character. Feel free to reach out with any questions or requests for additional photos or measurements.

SHIPPING & PICKUP
Shipping is NOT included in the item price. Estimated shipping for this item is $15–$40. Actual shipping is calculated based on packed size, weight, destination, carrier rates, insurance, and any special handling required, and may be higher or lower than the estimate. Please provide your delivery zip code for a closer estimate.

Local pickup is available in the Phoenix, Arizona area by arrangement.

ABOUT AJB COLLECTION
AJB Collection is a family-run vintage shop created by Allison, Jennifer & Brandon—the A, J & B behind the collection. We thoughtfully curate vintage furniture, home decor, art, Mid-Century Modern pieces, collectibles, and wonderfully unexpected finds for homes with character. Our collection is always changing, with new vintage finds added regularly. Follow AJB Collection to keep up with our latest finds, styling inspiration, and behind-the-scenes treasure hunting.

Every vintage piece has had a life before us. We hope you’ll give this one its next chapter.