Artwork
Christophe de Thou
Christophe de Thou is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean Morin. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Christophe de Thou is a print portrait created by Jean Morin in 1645 using a combination of etching and engraving on laid paper. The work is a black-and-white depiction of a man in formal attire, surrounded by a round border with text.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait is of Christophe de Thou, a late sixteenth-century French magistrate and historian. The serious expression and formal clothing convey a sense of dignity and importance, likely reflecting his social status and professional role.
Technique & Style
The print showcases Morin's skill in combining etching and engraving techniques, a method he helped pioneer. The sharp lines and textured paper give the image a detailed, high-contrast appearance characteristic of Morin's work and the French Baroque style.
History & Provenance
Jean Morin, active in the first half of the seventeenth century, was a French artist who worked primarily as a printmaker, publisher, and painter. The signature 'Morin' on the print confirms his authorship of Christophe de Thou.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Morin (c.1595 or 1605 – 1650) was a French baroque painter, printmaker, painter, etcher, engraver and publisher.
