Jonah - François Vivares

A detailed 1774 engraving by François Vivares depicting the biblical story of Jonah, based on an original painting by Gaspard Dughet.

This fine art print is an etching and engraving by François Vivares, published in 1774. It reproduces a painting by Gaspard Dughet, which was held in the collection of King George III. The composition depicts the biblical narrative of Jonah, showing the moment the prophet is cast into the sea to be swallowed by the great fish.

Vivares, a French engraver who spent his career in London, was known for his technical precision in translating the atmospheric qualities of oil paintings into monochrome prints. The work displays the characteristic elements of the classical tradition, with a focus on dramatic lighting and a structured, theatrical arrangement of figures. In the foreground, a group of observers stands upon a rocky outcrop, their postures conveying a sense of alarm as they witness the event. To the right, a ship battles the turbulent waves, while the sea creature emerges from the water.

The background features a rugged coastline and a distant hilltop fortress, rendered with fine cross-hatching to suggest depth and texture. The sky is filled with heavy, rolling clouds, with a streak of lightning illuminating the scene. This print captures the aesthetic preferences of the eighteenth-century British art market, where the reproduction of Old Master paintings allowed collectors to own versions of works otherwise inaccessible in royal or private galleries. The technical skill required to manage the tonal range, from the deep shadows of the rocks to the bright highlights of the lightning, demonstrates the high standard of printmaking during this period. The work remains a clear example of the collaborative relationship between painters and engravers in the eighteenth century, where the printmaker acted as an interpreter of the original composition for a wider audience.