Joseph Pellerin

The subject of the portrait is Joseph Pellerin, an older man depicted in profile, whose specific identity and context remain unspecified. The inclusion of a decorative scroll and the Latin phrase 'Animo Maturus et Avo' suggests a commemorative or honorific intent.

Technically, the print combines engraving over etching, a method allowing for detailed line work and texture, evident in the meticulous rendering of Pellerin's curly wig. The composition features a round border framing the face, set against a plain background, with a decorative scroll at the top.

Created in 1777, the print is signed by Augustin de Saint-Aubin and includes the date at the top. The Latin inscription 'Animo Maturus et Avo' is also present, though the full provenance and ownership history of the piece are not detailed here.

As a product of the Saint-Aubin family, this engraving reflects the artistic traditions of 18th-century France, where family dynasties often dominated various artistic fields. The use of engraving over etching was a common practice for portrait prints during this period.

While specific details on the print's impact or current location are not provided, works by the Saint-Aubin family, including Augustin de Saint-Aubin, are typically found in collections focusing on 18th-century French graphic arts, contributing to the historical record of the era's portraiture and printmaking techniques.