Jean-Pierre ROSSIGNOL

Title: The Mill of Varennes-Jarcy Beneath the Foliage
Technique: Etching
Plate dimensions: 13.5 × 10.5 cm
Dimensions with margins: 20 × 16 cm
Signature: Hand-signed in the lower right
Estimated date: 20th century (exact date unspecified)

This etching by Jean-Pierre Rossignol depicts the Moulin de Varennes-Jarcy, a historic mill located on the banks of the Yerres River in Essonne, France. The mill, with its visible stonework, features a large waterwheel positioned on a diversion canal. The idyllic setting is enhanced by the trees whose foliage frames the image, adding depth to the composition. A dam and several annex buildings can also be seen, emphasizing the site’s former activity.

The engraving stands out for the remarkable precision of its lines, a hallmark of Jean-Pierre Rossignol’s work. The use of a uniform sepia tone evokes a nostalgic, almost romantic atmosphere, highlighting the mill’s tranquil and timeless character. The stone textures are rendered with meticulous care, as are the overhanging branches, which lend the scene a gentle and flowing dynamic.

The stylized vegetation framing the top of the image guides the viewer’s gaze toward the heart of the composition, creating a subtle contrast between the natural elements and the built structure. The overall composition is balanced—neither overloaded nor overly minimalist. There is a clear attention to documented realism, likely faithful to the actual appearance of the site, which enhances the work’s heritage value.

The piece can be interpreted both as a tribute to French rural heritage and as a meditation on the passage of time, where the traditional etching technique reinforces a sense of timelessness.