Rodolphe Bresdin (1822-1885) The Republic. 1883. Pen-and-ink lithograph. 142 x 196. Van Gelder 152. Very nice proof on large chine appliqué. Light moisture aureole at right edge, slightly penetrating the chine. Remains of miter at left edge on verso and short 15 mm tear reinforced. All margins [270 x 380]. Very rare. 4 known proofs. This is the proof of the 3rd state (out of 3) as listed by Maxime Préaud, who hypothesizes that this is a transfer stone. In any case, there are only 4 proofs. (M. Préaud, Rodolphe Bresdin 1822-1885, Robinson graveur, exhibition catalog, Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, 2000, p. 41). "An invoice indicates the printing in January 1884 of twelve prints [...] for a total of 6 francs. This invoice, which included many other items, was never paid, and was even formally cancelled, with a stamp, on 19 November 1888. Why did Bresdin create this lithograph? The composition does not clearly indicate this. Is the artist alluding to the adoption of universal suffrage?" (D. van Gelder, Rodolphe Bresdin, catalog raisonné de l'œuvre gravé, vol. II, Paris, Chêne, 1976, p. 152-153).