Giving Drink to the Thirsty - Sébastien Bourdon
Archival giclée
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Description
A detailed 17th-century etching by Sébastien Bourdon depicting the biblical act of providing water to the thirsty.
Sébastien Bourdon, a prominent figure in the French Baroque, produced this etching as part of a series depicting the Seven Acts of Mercy. The composition draws upon biblical themes, specifically the narrative of David and his soldiers, to illustrate the virtue of charity. Bourdon employs a complex arrangement of figures, set against a backdrop of classical architecture and rugged, rocky terrain. The scene is divided into distinct planes: the foreground features a group of weary figures receiving water, while the mid-ground contains dense foliage and architectural elements that frame the central action. In the distance, a procession of soldiers on horseback suggests a broader historical context, adding depth to the narrative.
The etching technique demonstrates Bourdon's command of light and shadow. Cross-hatching and varied line weights define the textures of the stone, the drapery of the garments, and the weathered faces of the subjects. The artist balances the emotional weight of the scene with a structured, classical composition, typical of his work during his time in Paris. The inclusion of Latin inscriptions at the base provides context, identifying the subject matter and the patron. This print offers a clear view into the stylistic preferences of the mid-seventeenth century, where religious subjects were often treated with a blend of naturalism and theatrical staging. The work remains a fine example of the printmaking traditions of the period, reflecting the technical precision required to convey such a dense, multi-layered scene on a copper plate. The interplay between the human figures and the surrounding environment creates a sense of scale, drawing the viewer into the quiet, solemn atmosphere of the act of mercy.
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Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
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- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
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Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Giving Drink to the Thirsty - Sébastien Bourdon
Artist Biography
Sebastien Bourdon
He was born in Montpellier in 1616, the son of a Protestant glass painter. Back in Paris after the Roman flight, he became a co-founder of the French Royal Academy in 1648, later serving as professor and rector. In 1652, Queen Christina of Sweden appointed him first court painter, though the posting lasted only two years. His versatility was unusual: landscapes, religious compositions, mythological scenes and strikingly lifelike portraits all came from the same hand with equal competence.
His Calvinist background gave him access to Protestant networks across Europe while limiting his access to Catholic commissions in France. He died in Paris in 1671, at fifty-five.
His Calvinist background gave him access to Protestant networks across northern Europe while restricting his ability to secure the most lucrative Catholic commissions in France. The tension between faith and profession forced him into a peripatetic career that, paradoxically, gave his art a cosmopolitan range that more settled painters lacked.
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