L'Angelo Caduto - S. Dalì 1963

📜 Description
Original etching by Nicolas François Regnault, produced in Paris between 1774 and 1780 and published by Didot le Jeune, depicting a botanical plate dedicated to absinthe (Artemisia Absinthium). The composition presents a single plant specimen with a vertical stem, articulated branches, narrow leaves, and small clustered flowers, accompanied by a separate analytical depiction of the root system and additional botanical details arranged around the main figure. This structured layout reflects the scientific and didactic function of 18th-century botanical illustration, aimed at the identification and study of medicinal plants. The inscription “L’Absinthe” is followed by the Latin denomination “Artemisia Absinthium” and multilingual names (“Assenzio Romano, Angl. Wormwood, Allem. Wermuth”), emphasizing the encyclopedic scope of the plate. The mention “Regnault del.” and the engraving by Geneviève De Nangis-Regnault document a collaborative production within a documented family and scientific publishing context.

📚 Historical note
Nicolas François Regnault was active in the production of scientific botanical illustrations in 18th-century Paris, collaborating with Geneviève De Nangis-Regnault, engraver within the same family circle. Their work was published by Didot le Jeune, a leading Parisian publisher specializing in high-quality scientific and encyclopedic editions intended for the classification and dissemination of natural knowledge.

🧾 Technical sheet
Type: original etching
Author / Maker: Nicolas François Regnault
Designer / Engraver: Geneviève De Nangis-Regnault
Publisher / Printer: Didot le Jeune, Paris
Place: Paris
Period: 1774–1780
Material: paper
Technique: etching
Subject / Title: L’Absinthe – Artemisia Absinthium – Assenzio Romano – Wormwood – Wermuth
Dimensions: sheet 35 x 49.5 cm; plate 26 x 38 cm
Marks / signatures / inscriptions: title and multilingual botanical denominations below; inscription “Regnault del.”

🔍 Condition Report
Excellent overall condition; blank verso.