Description
An engraved portrait of Pierre Gassendi ( PetrusGassendus , 1592–1655), a French priest, philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician. The original plate was engraved by Claude Mellan (1598–1688), a French master printmaker, painter, and draughtsman. This piece was posthumously printed and published in 1765 in Volume V of L’Europe illustrée, contenant l’histoire abrégée des souverains, des princes, des prélats, desministres, des grands capitaines, des magistrats, des savants, des artistes,& des dames célèbres en Europe , by publisher Michel Odieuvre (French,1687–1756).
Some art historians believe this print was actually done by other engravers after Mellan’s earlier engraving of Pierre Gassendi ( collectedby the MET ), under Odieuvre’s supervision. However, this print still states “C. Mellan gall’ et sculp” ( engraved by C. Mellan ) without other artists’ names. Additionally, another print from an earlier state ( alsocollected by the MET ) is nearly identical—including certain accidental plate marks—but lacks the publication information. This later state, used in L’Europeillustrée , includes additional text: “C.P.R” ( with royal privilege )and “Paris chez Odieuvre, M.d Estampes, rue d’Anjou la dernière P. Cochere àgauche, entr. par la rue Dauphine.” Given these details, I lean toward the conclusion that Odieuvre acquired Mellan’s plate and had his artists modify it, adding these texts for his book.
Claude Mellan’s engraving technique evolved significantly throughout his career. From 1637 onward, he gradually abandoned cross-hatching,eventually relying solely on elegant contour lines of varying intensity to create shading and depth. The period 1637–1638—right after Mellan returned to Paris from Rome—was crucial in this transition. Some of his works from this time still contain remnants of cross-hatching (mostly in 1637) and stippling for shading. This engraving was likely completed around 1637, during or immediately after his commission with Gassendi for the famous Three Maps of the Moon .
Print Details:
- Image size: 5.5 x 4 inches
- Sheet size: 9.5 x 6.5 inches
- Paper type: Laid paper with a circled cross watermark
- Condition:
- Left edge shows red binding marks
- Visible plate mark
- Ink lines remain strong, with minimal signs of plate wear
- Very good condition overall, with several pin holes on the top right corner, minor paper discoloration and a few foxing spots
Disclaimer:
I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of this print to the best of my ability. However, it is sold as is, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historical attribution.
