Artwork
Mr. de Voltaire
Mr. de Voltaire is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Stanislas Jean Boufflers. It dates from 1765 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Mr.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Mr. de Voltaire / Dessiné a Ferney et gravé par Mr. de Voltaire / Dessiné a Ferney et gravé par Mr. B.... / 1765; by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: 534809; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: par le Chavalier de Boufflers …
About this work
This isn’t a painting, it’s an etching, which means the artist carved the image into metal and then printed it.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man with curly hair and a wig. He’s holding a feather quill in one hand and a piece of paper in the other, as if he’s writing. His face looks thoughtful, and he’s dressed in a loose robe with a high collar.
The background shows a desk with a few books and a candle, suggesting he’s in a study or writing room.
The name at the bottom reads Mr. de Voltaire, and the year is 1765. This isn’t a painting, it’s an etching, which means the artist carved the image into metal and then printed it.
Next, check out etching to see how this technique works.
Overview
Mr. de Voltaire is a print created in 1765 by Stanislas Jean Boufflers, using etching and engraving techniques on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts François-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, in a contemplative pose, holding a quill and paper, surrounded by books and a candle, suggesting a moment of literary composition.
Technique & Style
The image was produced by etching and engraving on metal, then printing on laid paper, resulting in a black-and-white portrait characterized by detailed textures and subtle shading.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
