Antique French “Mr. de la Flute” Engraving | Jean Duplessi-Bertaux

A wonderfully curious piece of early 19th-century French art, this petite antique engraving captures one of the colorful characters of historic Parisian street life.

Titled Mr. de la Flute — Joueur de plusieurs instrumens, the scene depicts a street musician performing several instruments at once while an animated crowd gathers around him. Look closely and the engraving becomes even more delightful: men, women, and children watch the spectacle, while even a small dog joins the audience.

The composition is by French artist and engraver Jean Duplessi-Bertaux (1747–1818), known for his detailed depictions of everyday life, public spectacles, and the characters of Paris. This particular image is associated with his Spectacles de rue series and is documented to the early 19th century, circa 1810–1814.

Fine engraved linework is accented with selective touches of color, including soft blue, giving the otherwise monochromatic scene an especially charming quality.

Presented beneath glass in an aged wood frame with decorative carved edging and layered period-style matting, the entire piece has the wonderfully imperfect character we look for in antique art.

Details

• Antique French engraving
• Mr. de la Flute — Joueur de plusieurs instrumens
• By Jean Duplessi-Bertaux (1747–1818)
• Composition documented to approximately 1810–1814
• Marked No. 6
• Signed in the plate J.D. Bertaux
• Selective color throughout
• Presented beneath glass
• Aged wood frame with decorative detailing
• One-of-a-kind antique find
• Imported from France

Dimensions

• Approximately 8.25" W × 6.25" H, overall

Condition

This is a genuine antique piece with toning, patina, discoloration, and age-related wear. The frame also shows visible wear and losses consistent with its age. These imperfections have been intentionally preserved and are an important part of the piece's timeworn character.

A Note on Age & Attribution

The composition itself is documented to the early 19th century. Because this particular work has not been removed from its frame for examination, we attribute it based on the visible title, plate signature, numbering, and composition rather than guaranteeing a specific printing date or edition.

Styling Notes

This is exactly the sort of small, slightly eccentric antique that makes a gallery wall more interesting. Mix it among formal portraits, landscapes, old engravings, and larger paintings, or give it a place on a bookshelf where the details can be appreciated up close.

The subject also makes it particularly good for a music room, library, or collection of antique French artwork.