Birches and Oaks Possibly 1848 - 1849

Henri-Joseph Harpignies' "Birches and Oaks" is a detailed etching depicting a grove of trees, with the artist's signature appearing in the top left corner of the print. The work, dating to between 1848 and 1849, exemplifies Harpignies' characteristic style of naturalistic landscape depiction, focusing on the textures of the trees and the undulating terrain, which showcases a refined skill and a sense of tranquility. This etching, now part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, provides a glimpse into the artist's early fascination with the natural world and his mastery of the etching medium.