Portrait of Charles Perrault - Gérard Edelinck

A refined seventeenth-century engraving by Gérard Edelinck, depicting the French author Charles Perrault in a formal, scholarly pose.

This engraving by Gérard Edelinck depicts Charles Perrault, the French author known for his collection of fairy tales. Edelinck, a Flemish engraver who spent much of his career in Paris, was highly regarded for his technical precision and his ability to translate the nuances of oil painting into the medium of copperplate engraving. This portrait captures the sitter in the formal attire of the late seventeenth century, complete with a voluminous periwig that frames his face.

The composition follows the conventions of aristocratic portraiture from the period. Perrault is shown in a three-quarter view, his hand resting upon a book, which serves as a nod to his literary contributions. The background features architectural elements, specifically a column, which adds a sense of gravity and structure to the scene. The drapery to the left provides a soft contrast to the rigid lines of the column and the books.

Edelinck employs a sophisticated system of hatching and cross-hatching to define the textures of the fabric, the curls of the wig, and the subtle modelling of the face. The light source appears to come from the upper left, casting gentle shadows that give the figure a three-dimensional presence. The work reflects the aesthetic values of the French court under Louis XIV, where clarity, order, and a sense of measured dignity were paramount. As a master of the burin, Edelinck ensures that every line serves a purpose, whether in the rendering of the skin or the heavy folds of the cloak. This print offers a glimpse into the intellectual milieu of the era, presenting a man of letters within a setting that suggests both status and scholarly pursuit.