Paris, J. [L.] Boilly, 1821. Engraved broadsheet (36.3 x 27.3 cm).

A rarely-seen portrait of the German polymath (geographer, geologist, botanist, zoologist, philosopher) Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), at a young age. The artist, Julien-Léopold Boilly (1796-1874) was noted for his album of lithographs, Iconographie de l'Institut royal de France ou collection des portraits des Membres composant les quatre académies depuis 1814 jusqu'en 1825 (1820-1825). His portraits are much less stiff and formal than many by his contemporaries. Signed by the artist in the lower right margin of the portrait and dated 1821. The caption states the date of Von Humboldt's birth and the year when he was elected as a member of the Académie (1810). Uncut. With in the lower right corner a small, oval blind-stamp, 'Galerie Vivienne Bénard'. Scattered light foxing; otherwise very good.