Artwork
Charles de Valois, duc d'Angouleme
Charles de Valois, duc d'Angouleme is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean Morin. It dates from 1625 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The print portrays Charles de Valois, duc d’Angoulême, in a formal portrait rendered on laid paper.
About this work
Overview
The print portrays Charles de Valois, duc d’Angoulême, in a formal portrait rendered on laid paper. Encircled by an octagonal frame bearing his titles, the image presents the nobleman with long hair, a mustache, and a solemn expression. He wears a dark shirt with a white collar, a light sash, and a piece of armor on his right arm, emphasizing his martial status.
Subject & Meaning
Charles de Valois, a French prince of the blood and holder of the titles Pair de France and Comte d’Auvergne, is depicted in a dignified pose that underscores his aristocratic rank and military affiliation. The inclusion of armor and the formal attire convey both his noble lineage and his role as a commander, while the serious gaze reflects the gravitas expected of a high-ranking court figure.
Technique & Style
Jean Morin employed a hybrid method that merges etching, engraving, and stippling on a single plate. The combination allows for fine linear detail from engraving, tonal depth from etching, and delicate texture through stippled dots. This intricate approach yields a richly rendered surface where shadows and fabrics are modeled with numerous fine lines, characteristic of early Baroque printmaking.
History & Provenance
The portrait was likely commissioned to commemorate Valois’s titles and status within the royal court.
Created in 1625, the work originates from Morin’s active period as a French printmaker and painter. The portrait was likely commissioned to commemorate Valois’s titles and status within the royal court. Surviving copies are held in several European collections, reflecting the print’s circulation among aristocratic patrons and its role in disseminating the duke’s image during the early seventeenth century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Morin (c.1595 or 1605 – 1650) was a French baroque painter, printmaker, painter, etcher, engraver and publisher.
