Books and Lantern 1880

*Books and Lantern* is an etching created in 1880 by French artist Henri-Charles Guérard (1846-1897). The artwork depicts a still life featuring books, an inkwell, and a lantern. The scene is set in a dimly lit room, suggesting an intimate and contemplative atmosphere. The detailed rendering of the objects, particularly the books with their elaborate spines, highlights the artist's mastery of the etching technique. The text on the pages of the open book, which appears to be a list of names and titles, adds a personal touch to the composition and suggests a connection to the artist's social circle. The piece is currently held in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.