Artwork
Title Page for Jean Boyvin, Le Siege de la Ville de Dole
Title Page for Jean Boyvin, Le Siege de la Ville de Dole is an ink print by the Baroque artist Cornelis Galle I. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1638 engraving on laid paper, created by Cornelis Galle the Elder, serves as the title page for Jean Boyvin's work *Le Siege de la Ville de Dole*. The print combines figurative and landscape elements to introduce the book's theme.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a regal figure seated on a throne, flanked by two women—one offering a wreath, the other leaning on a crowned shield. Below, a besieged cityscape unfolds, symbolizing the subject of the book: the siege of Dole. The composition juxtaposes royal authority with the chaos of warfare.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the piece showcases Galle's refined engraving technique, honed during his time in Rome. Characteristic line work, achieved through metal cutting and inking, defines the intricate details of figures, armor, and architecture.
History & Provenance
Cornelis Galle the Elder, a Flemish engraver and printseller trained by his father Philip Galle, produced this work in Antwerp after a formative period in Rome. The engraving's provenance is not detailed here, but its creation contextualizes Galle's dual role in Antwerp's artistic community.
Context
As a title page for *Le Siege de la Ville de Dole*, this engraving belongs to the historical painting genre, reflecting early 17th-century interests in depicting monumental events. Its design may have been influenced by Galle's brother Theodoor, though the exact nature of this influence is unspecified.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this title page are not outlined, it contributes to the broader legacy of Cornelis Galle the Elder as a skilled engraver of his time, illustrating the enduring appeal of detailed, thematic prints in historical and literary contexts.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis Galle the Elder (1576 – 29 March 1650), a younger son of Philip Galle, was born at Antwerp in 1576, and was taught engraving by his father.
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