Martin Vanden Bogaert Desjardins

Gérard Edelinck, 1800

MEDIUMEngraving and etching on cream wove paper
DIMENSIONSPlate: 57.4 × 36.3 cm (22 5/8 × 14 5/16 in.); Sheet: 49 × 37.4 cm (19 5/16 × 14 3/4 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONPrints and Drawings
CULTUREFrance
CREDIT LINEElizabeth Hammond Stickney Collection

Stop to appreciate this finely detailed engraving of sculptor Martin Vanden Bogaert Desjardins, a testament to the art of portraiture and the skill of the engraver in capturing character and texture.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

In this striking portrait, Martin Vanden Bogaert Desjardins, a prominent sculptor of his time, gazes directly out at us, his expression serious and composed. The artist has captured a sense of the sitter's intellectual depth and artistic spirit. Desjardins holds a small sculpture of a classical bust, a clear nod to his profession and the classical ideals that influenced his work. The intricate details of his wig and the flowing fabric of his attire are rendered with remarkable precision, highlighting the engraver's skill in translating texture and form through lines alone. This engraving, made around 1800, serves not only as a record of a significant historical figure but also as an example of the refined portraiture style popular in the period, where dignity and a subtle sense of character were paramount.

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What to Notice

1

The detailed texture of Desjardins' elaborate wig.

2

The small classical bust he holds, signifying his profession.

3

The subtle shading that gives depth to his facial features.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to appreciate this finely detailed engraving of sculptor Martin Vanden Bogaert Desjardins, a testament to the art of portraiture and the skill of the engr…

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THE ARTIST
Gérard Edelinck

Gérard Edelinck, a master copper-plate engraver, captured the likenesses of 17th-century French society, from kings to fellow artists.

Read Gérard's full story in Art Whisper
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