Artwork

Corneille Jansenius, Bishop of Ypres

Corneille Jansenius, Bishop of Ypres, by Jean Morin, ink, 1625
Corneille Jansenius, Bishop of Ypres, by Jean Morin, ink, 1625

Corneille Jansenius, Bishop of Ypres 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.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1625, this print presents a seated cleric in a restrained pose, his gaze directed to the right and his head inclined slightly upward. The figure is dressed in a dark ecclesiastical robe with a high collar and a pointed hat, set against an unadorned background that emphasizes his solemn presence.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait likely represents Corneille Jansenius, who served as bishop of Ypres. His attire and dignified bearing convey the authority and contemplative nature of his office, inviting viewers to consider the spiritual responsibilities and intellectual pursuits associated with episcopal leadership in the early seventeenth century.

Technique & Style

Jean Morin combined etching, engraving, and stippling on laid paper to achieve a nuanced surface. Fine lines from the etching outline the figure, while deeper engraved strokes render the folds of the robe, and stippled dots create subtle tonal transitions. This layered approach yields a realistic texture and a sense of depth characteristic of Baroque portraiture.

History & Provenance

The work originates from the French printmaker Jean Morin, active during the Baroque period and known for his skill in multiple printmaking methods. Produced in the mid-1620s, the print would have circulated among collectors and ecclesiastical patrons, reflecting the period’s interest in commemorating prominent church figures through reproducible media.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean Morin

Artist

Jean Morin

Jean Morin (c.1595 or 1605 – 1650) was a French baroque painter, printmaker, painter, etcher, engraver and publisher.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.