Artwork
Title Page
Title Page is an ink print by the Baroque artist Léonard Gaultier. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1603 engraving on laid paper, titled 'Title Page,' measures 18.7 × 12.7 cm and is the work of Léonard Gaultier, a Parisian engraver who worked under King Henry IV.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving features allegorical and decorative elements, including swirling vines and a coat of arms, characteristic of early 17th-century French design, conveying symbolic motifs typical of the period.
Technique & Style
Gaultier employed cross-hatching to create deep shadows, and the subtle texture of the laid paper adds to the overall effect, showcasing his skill as an engraver.
History & Provenance
Gaultier was known to copy prints from other artists, helping disseminate their designs, and this sheet, while decorative, reflects his role in spreading contemporary artistic styles.
Artist & collection
Artist
Léonard Gaultier, or, as he sometimes signed himself, Galter, a French engraver, was born at Mainz about 1561, and died in Paris in 1641.
