Boris
Boris O Klein became an artist and cartoonist and is best known for his
He also painted under a pseudonym, “Jean Herblet” The reason is not known but perhaps under that name he produced more serious work. All his work seemed to feature dogs however and under the name “Jean Herblet” he produced many hunting scenes.
It appears that most of his work was sold to tourists visiting Paris. It was this that probably led him to start producing prints as he could make multiple copies of the one image and sell it over and over again.
When he produced the series that have become known as the “Dogs of Paris,” it amused and resonated with tourists and became a best seller for him and they have remained popular to this day. The “Dogs of Paris” series was produced by engraving.
The technique requires the image to be “etched” into a plate of a hard surface by a tool called a burin. (These days usually copper). Ink is then rubbed all over the plate and the excess removed leaving ink in the etched lines. Good quality paper is needed which is dampened slightly. The plate and the paper
Upon the death of Boris O Klein in 1985 his Grandson Eric, has taken over the production of these prints from the original plates and hand paints them to authentically match the originals of his Grandfather.
Boris O Klein etchings have remained very popular and can be found in many houses and establishments throughout the world.