Artwork
Raimond Poisson as Crispin
Raimond Poisson as Crispin is an ink print by the Baroque artist Gerard Edelinck. It dates from 1674 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1674, this engraving presents the actor Raimond Poisson portraying the theatrical figure Crispin.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1674, this engraving presents the actor Raimond Poisson portraying the theatrical figure Crispin. Executed on laid paper, the image shows Poisson standing amid a leafy backdrop, dressed in a dark coat with a ruffled collar, knee‑high boots, and a cloak over his shoulders, while holding a hat in his right hand.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures Poisson in costume as Crispin, a stock character of 17th‑century French comedy known for his cleverness and wit. By depicting the actor in this role, the print emphasizes the performative identity of the sitter, linking his personal fame to the popular theatrical archetype.
Technique & Style
Engraver Gérard Edelinck employed fine copper‑plate engraving, using dense cross‑hatching to render the textures of fabric, foliage, and facial features. The laid‑paper surface enhances the tonal range, allowing subtle gradations of light and shadow that give the portrait a three‑dimensional presence.
History & Provenance
Edelinck, a Flemish-born engraver who settled in Paris in 1666, produced the print shortly before receiving French naturalisation in 1675. The portrait was likely issued as a print for distribution among patrons of the theatre, reflecting the period’s market for celebrity likenesses.
Context
In the late 17th century, portrait prints of actors were common, serving both as promotional material and as collectibles for admirers. Crispin, a character from commedia dell'arte and French farce, was a familiar figure, and Poisson’s portrayal would have resonated with contemporary audiences familiar with his stage repertoire.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gérard Edelinck (20 October 1640 (baptized) – 2 April 1707) was a copper-plate engraver and print publisher of Flemish origin, who worked in Paris from 1666 and became a naturalized French citizen in 1675.
