Artwork

Saint Francois de Sales

Saint Francois de Sales, by Jean Morin, ink, 1625
Saint Francois de Sales, by Jean Morin, ink, 1625

Saint Francois de Sales 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

Jean Morin’s 1625 print presents a solemn portrait of Saint Francis de Sales. Executed on laid paper, the image shows the bearded saint in a robe, wearing a cross necklace, set against a dark, unadorned background that isolates the figure.

Subject & Meaning

The work belongs to the religious genre, depicting the Catholic saint known for his gentle pastoral approach. The dignified expression and modest attire reflect the saint’s humility and spiritual authority.

Technique & Style

Morin combined etching, engraving, and stippling on a single plate, a hybrid method that allowed both fine line work and delicate tonal shading. Tiny dots and lines render the texture of fabric and flesh, while the engraved lines provide crisp outlines, illustrating a baroque interest in detail and contrast.

History & Provenance

Morin, a French baroque printmaker, painter, and publisher, was active primarily as an etcher. His integration of engraving with etching on one plate was influential and quickly adopted by contemporaries, contributing to the spread of mixed‑technique prints in early‑17th‑century France.

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.