“Paris – École Militaire et Champ de Mars,” Isidore-Laurent Deroy (French, 1797–1886), c. 1840s, hand-colored steel-engraved lithograph from France en Miniature

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“Paris – École Militaire et Champ de Mars,” Isidore-Laurent Deroy (French, 1797–1886), c. 1840s, hand-colored steel-engraved lithograph from France en Miniature, printed by Lemercier & Cie and published by E. Morier, approx. 10 × 6.5 in., with original period imprints.

This vibrant hand-colored 19th-century steel-engraved lithograph of the École Militaire and Champ de Mars, illustrated by Isidore-Laurent Deroy and printed by the renowned atelier Lemercier & Cie, is part of the distinguished France en Miniature series published by E. Morier. Featuring equestrian events, spectators, and Parisian military architecture, it is ideal for collectors of historic Paris views, military landmarks, antique lithography, and 19th-century topographical prints.

Artwork Description

This engaging lithograph captures a dynamic moment on the Champ de Mars, the historic parade ground adjacent to Paris’s École Militaire—founded in 1751 under Louis XV to train France’s officer corps. Deroy’s elevated viewpoint encompasses the grand dome of Les Invalides in the distance and the imposing classical façade of the École Militaire, whose architectural symmetry dominates the right half of the composition.

The scene below is lively and animated: crowds gather under shade trees to watch a spirited equestrian race across the sandy field. Figures in bonnets, frock coats, parasols, and bright skirts reflect Parisian fashion of the 1840s. The horses in mid-stride capture the drama and festival atmosphere historically associated with the Champ de Mars—long before the Eiffel Tower would reinterpret the skyline.

The hand-applied color enhances the engraving’s fine linework through gentle earth tones, pastel skies, and lush greens, characteristic of the France en Miniature series. Period imprints include:

  • “Dess. d’après nature et lith. par Deroy” — Deroy drew and lithographed the scene from life.

  • “Paris, E. Morier, rue du Pont de Lodi 5” — the publisher.

  • “Imp. Lemercier, de Seine 57, Paris” — a hallmark of superior French printmaking.

The result is a historically rich and visually elegant record of pre-Haussmann Paris, celebrating both its military heritage and its public recreational life.

Artist, Printer & Publisher Biographies

ISIDORE-LAURENT DEROY (1797–1886) – Artist

Deroy was one of the 19th century’s most respected French topographical illustrators, producing city views, architectural plates, and landscape lithographs. His works appeared in major atlases, travel books, and cultural surveys, including France en Miniature. Known for his precise draughtsmanship and nuanced atmospheric rendering, Deroy documented Paris during a crucial era of transformation and expansion. His collaborations with Lemercier resulted in some of the finest lithographic productions of the century.

LEMERCIER & CIE (Printer, Paris)

Lemercier & Cie was the leading lithographic institution of 19th-century France, known for excellence in steel engraving transfers, chromolithography, and fine art reproduction. The studio printed for the top illustrators and publishers of the era, earning numerous medals and international recognition. The Lemercier imprint guarantees technical refinement and superior craftsmanship.

E. MORIER (Publisher, Paris)

Based at 5 rue du Pont de Lodi, E. Morier specialized in architectural, cultural, and educational prints, producing series that showcased France’s monuments and cities. Their France en Miniature collection remains a historically valuable anthology of mid-19th-century French civic and architectural identity.

Isidore-Laurent Deroy (1797–1886), “Paris – École Militaire et Champ de Mars,” c. 1840s. Hand-colored steel-engraved lithograph from France en Miniature. Printed by Lemercier & Cie, published by E. Morier. Very good antique condition with crisp detail and attractive color.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation

Artist: Isidore-Laurent Deroy (1797–1886)
Title: Paris – École Militaire et Champ de Mars
Series: France en Miniature
Medium: Steel-engraved lithograph with original hand coloring
Printer: Lemercier & Cie, Paris
Publisher: E. Morier, 5 rue du Pont de Lodi
Date: c. 1840s
Dimensions: Approx. 10 × 6.5 inches
Condition: Very good antique condition; bright coloration, minimal age toning, strong plate impression
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Confirmed original 19th-century impression with authentic period imprints and consistent production characteristics.

Provenance Chain (Collector Format)

  1. Published by E. Morier, Paris (c. 1840s)

  2. Private European Collection

  3. Acquired in Europe (21st century)

  4. Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC

These Hand-Coloured Steel Engraved historic lithograph prints  are noted for their precise printing and rich colouring and are most sought after. The designs were drawn by Isidore Laurent Deroy and printed from steel engraved plates by Lemercier & Cie and published by E Morier - (See more at the British Museum). Beautiful topographic representations of historical French monuments. A Great piece for any decor - give your space a unique story to tell…

“Paris – École Militaire et Champ de Mars,” Isidore-Laurent Deroy (French, 1797–1886), c. 1840s, hand-colored steel-engraved lithograph from France en Miniature, printed by Lemercier & Cie and published by E. Morier, approx. 10 × 6.5 in., with original period imprints.

This vibrant hand-colored 19th-century steel-engraved lithograph of the École Militaire and Champ de Mars, illustrated by Isidore-Laurent Deroy and printed by the renowned atelier Lemercier & Cie, is part of the distinguished France en Miniature series published by E. Morier. Featuring equestrian events, spectators, and Parisian military architecture, it is ideal for collectors of historic Paris views, military landmarks, antique lithography, and 19th-century topographical prints.

Artwork Description

This engaging lithograph captures a dynamic moment on the Champ de Mars, the historic parade ground adjacent to Paris’s École Militaire—founded in 1751 under Louis XV to train France’s officer corps. Deroy’s elevated viewpoint encompasses the grand dome of Les Invalides in the distance and the imposing classical façade of the École Militaire, whose architectural symmetry dominates the right half of the composition.

The scene below is lively and animated: crowds gather under shade trees to watch a spirited equestrian race across the sandy field. Figures in bonnets, frock coats, parasols, and bright skirts reflect Parisian fashion of the 1840s. The horses in mid-stride capture the drama and festival atmosphere historically associated with the Champ de Mars—long before the Eiffel Tower would reinterpret the skyline.

The hand-applied color enhances the engraving’s fine linework through gentle earth tones, pastel skies, and lush greens, characteristic of the France en Miniature series. Period imprints include:

  • “Dess. d’après nature et lith. par Deroy” — Deroy drew and lithographed the scene from life.

  • “Paris, E. Morier, rue du Pont de Lodi 5” — the publisher.

  • “Imp. Lemercier, de Seine 57, Paris” — a hallmark of superior French printmaking.

The result is a historically rich and visually elegant record of pre-Haussmann Paris, celebrating both its military heritage and its public recreational life.

Artist, Printer & Publisher Biographies

ISIDORE-LAURENT DEROY (1797–1886) – Artist

Deroy was one of the 19th century’s most respected French topographical illustrators, producing city views, architectural plates, and landscape lithographs. His works appeared in major atlases, travel books, and cultural surveys, including France en Miniature. Known for his precise draughtsmanship and nuanced atmospheric rendering, Deroy documented Paris during a crucial era of transformation and expansion. His collaborations with Lemercier resulted in some of the finest lithographic productions of the century.

LEMERCIER & CIE (Printer, Paris)

Lemercier & Cie was the leading lithographic institution of 19th-century France, known for excellence in steel engraving transfers, chromolithography, and fine art reproduction. The studio printed for the top illustrators and publishers of the era, earning numerous medals and international recognition. The Lemercier imprint guarantees technical refinement and superior craftsmanship.

E. MORIER (Publisher, Paris)

Based at 5 rue du Pont de Lodi, E. Morier specialized in architectural, cultural, and educational prints, producing series that showcased France’s monuments and cities. Their France en Miniature collection remains a historically valuable anthology of mid-19th-century French civic and architectural identity.

Isidore-Laurent Deroy (1797–1886), “Paris – École Militaire et Champ de Mars,” c. 1840s. Hand-colored steel-engraved lithograph from France en Miniature. Printed by Lemercier & Cie, published by E. Morier. Very good antique condition with crisp detail and attractive color.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation

Artist: Isidore-Laurent Deroy (1797–1886)
Title: Paris – École Militaire et Champ de Mars
Series: France en Miniature
Medium: Steel-engraved lithograph with original hand coloring
Printer: Lemercier & Cie, Paris
Publisher: E. Morier, 5 rue du Pont de Lodi
Date: c. 1840s
Dimensions: Approx. 10 × 6.5 inches
Condition: Very good antique condition; bright coloration, minimal age toning, strong plate impression
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Confirmed original 19th-century impression with authentic period imprints and consistent production characteristics.

Provenance Chain (Collector Format)

  1. Published by E. Morier, Paris (c. 1840s)

  2. Private European Collection

  3. Acquired in Europe (21st century)

  4. Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC

These Hand-Coloured Steel Engraved historic lithograph prints  are noted for their precise printing and rich colouring and are most sought after. The designs were drawn by Isidore Laurent Deroy and printed from steel engraved plates by Lemercier & Cie and published by E Morier - (See more at the British Museum). Beautiful topographic representations of historical French monuments. A Great piece for any decor - give your space a unique story to tell…

“PARIS - Ecole Militaire Et Champ De Mars” - Military School and March Field “France En Miniature”

ISIDORE LAURENT DEROY (Artist); Lemercier & Cie (Printer); E Morier (Publisher) - Steel engraved Lithograph, Hand Colored

10 x 6.5 inches   

From the retired Mitch Moore Gallery Inc, NYC. Unmatted, never framed or displayed. Image area is in very good frameable vintage condition. 

In the first half of the 19th century, color images were usually printed in black and white and then colored by hand.

Steel Engravings

Another of the intaglio printmaking techniques, steel engraving produced illustrations based on steel, rather than copper.  The method was first introduced in 1792 by American physicist, Jacob Perkins, for the printing of banknotes, and was later adapted in England by Charles Warren for Thomas Campbell’s 1820 poem ‘Pleasure of Hope’, which contained the first published plates engraved on steel.

Until this time, copper had been the preferred metal for engraving.  The plates were soft, simple to carve, and were capable of producing a few hundred prints before re-engraving was required to sharpen the image.  These characteristics made copper an attractive medium, particularly for mapmakers who frequently needed to update their prints when new land was discovered or existing land changed hands.  By the 1820s, however, a shift towards steel for engravings began to emerge.  Steel was cheaper than copper and the engraved plates produced much sharper and more distinct lines.  The plates were also harder-wearing, resulting in thousands of prints before re-engraving became necessary.  This hard nature allowed for much finer detail than copper and, for the first time, it was possible to achieve a beautiful pale grey in the final illustration.  With its shimmering appearance, the steel engraving became instantly recognizable.

Though it looked more refined than its copperplate counterpart, the steel engraving was actually created in much the same way.  The steel plate was engraved with a burin that produced thin, furrowed lines which, in turn, left behind a ‘burr’.  This burr was then scraped away so as not to introduce unsightly spots into the final print.  This process was not easy for the engraver.  The steel was so hard that many turned to etching the plate instead; acid quickly created image outlines in the plate where ‘ground’ had been removed with an etching needle.  Once the engraver was satisfied with their work, the plate’s surface was inked and wiped in a circular motion to push that ink in the incised lines.  A piece of slightly dampened paper was then placed on top of the plate and the whole pressed with sufficient force to produce the final print.  As in copperplate engraving, a plate mark or indentation in the paper remained visible around the edges of the illustration.

In its heyday of the 1820s-1840s, steel engraving was responsible for some of the most superb illustrations.  Steel allowed engravers to push the craft to its absolute limits; in some prints it was only possible to see the individual lines with a magnifying glass.  Some illustrations were so authentic, so real, that it was not impossible for the reader, particularly of travel books, to actually imagine themselves there.