Artwork
Jean de La Bruyere
Jean de La Bruyere is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The print presents a monochrome likeness of a man with curled hair and a composed expression, his profile turned slightly to the left within an oval frame. The background is unadorned, emphasizing the crisp, finely rendered lines that define his facial features and hair. Below the image the name "J. de La Bruyère" appears, accompanied by the artist's inscription.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts the 17th‑century French moralist and literary critic Jean de La Bruyère, known for his work "Les Caractères." By isolating his visage against a plain field, the image foregrounds his intellectual presence, inviting viewers to consider his contributions to French literature and moral philosophy without distraction from ornamental surroundings.
Technique & Style
Executed as an engraving superimposed on an etched ground, the work combines the delicate tonal qualities of etching with the precise line work of engraving. Laid paper, typical for early‑19th‑century prints, supports the image, allowing the artist to achieve sharp contrasts and fine detail, especially in the rendering of hair and facial contours within the oval border.
History & Provenance
St Aubin fecit," confirms his authorship, situating the piece within the broader output of French portrait printmaking at the turn of the century.
Created in 1805 by Augustin de Saint‑Aubin, a member of a prominent French family of engravers, the portrait aligns with the era's tradition of printed likenesses accompanying literary editions and biographical collections. Saint‑Aubin’s signature, "Aug. St Aubin fecit," confirms his authorship, situating the piece within the broader output of French portrait printmaking at the turn of the century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Augustin de Saint-Aubin sometimes styled Auguste de Saint-Aubin (3 January 1736 – 9 November 1807), belongs to an important dynasty of French designers and engravers.
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