Antique Copper Plate Engraving “L’écrivain Public en Espagne” by Jules James Rougeron 16.25″ x 12.5″

HISTORY (from online sources): Jules James Rougeron was a French 19th Century painter, printmaker, and engraver who was born in 1841 and died in 1880 at the age of 39.  His work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from 253 USD to 5,000 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork.

An Écrivain Public, or public writer, is defined as “a person who writes letters and documents for those who do not know how to write or who have poor command of the written word.”  This definition appears in dictionaries of the French language from 1835.  On the European continent, monks were among the few to be able to write and read texts, mainly in Latin.  A scrivener (or scribe) was a person who, before the advent of compulsory education, could read and write or who wrote letters as well as court and legal documents.  They made their living by writing or copying written material. This usually indicated secretarial and administrative duties such as dictation and keeping business, judicial, and historical records for kings, nobles, temples, and cities.  Scriveners later developed into notaries, court reporters, and in England and Wales, scrivener notaries.  They were and are generally distinguished from scribes, who in the European Middle Ages mostly copied books; with the spread of printing this role largely disappeared, but scriveners were still required.  In France today, despite the country’s high literacy rate, “public writers” (écrivains publics) are still common. Their job mainly consists of composing formal writings like curricula vitae or motivation letters for people who do not write well, as well as other things like advertisements, or ghostwriting books.  In some countries, like Argentina and Uruguay, an “escribano” is a lawyer whose role includes drafting, authenticating and recording legal documents.

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A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.”  As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability.  Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift.  All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof. 

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