Bernard Picart
Bernard Picart moved from Paris to Amsterdam in 1710 to find religious freedom as a Protestant. While in the Netherlands, he published a collection of engravings titled "Innocent Impostors". In this project, he created plates in the exact style of old masters to trick collectors who valued age over technical skill. This exercise was a deliberate attempt to prove that contemporary engravers could match the quality of the past through skill alone.
Biography
His work focuses on precise linework and mythological subjects. Picart moved away from the heavy styles of the previous century. He preferred clarity and proportion in his compositions. His etchings, such as "Althaea Putting the Fatal Log on the Fire" or his studies of antique gems, show a controlled hand. He often used vignettes and ornaments, including skulls and griffins, to frame larger narratives or to stand as independent decorative elements.
Modern collectors value Picart for his balance of classical themes and clean graphic sensibility. His prints work well in contemporary spaces because they offer historical depth without visual clutter. The monochrome compositions provide a sharp contrast for minimalist or traditional interiors. His focus on symbolic ornaments like the two-headed eagle or Mercury makes his work feel like a curated collection of curiosities for the home.
Notable Works
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Bernard Picart prints
Hand-finished archival prints from Bernard Picart's body of work.
Obverse and Reverse of a Medal with Portraits of Philip VI and Blanche of Navarre - Bernard Picart
From £28.00
Self-Portrait of Bernard Picart - Bernard Picart
From £28.00
Paneelvulling met brandende lamp - Bernard Picart
From £28.00
Althaea Putting the Fatal Log on the Fire - Bernard Picart
From £37.00
Untitled (Ornamental Headpiece with Winged Figure) - Bernard Picart
From £28.00
Satyrs and Nymphs - Bernard Picart
From £28.00
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See all Bernard Picart prints →Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bernard Picart born?
Bernard Picart was born in 1673 and died in 1733.What is Bernard Picart known for?
Bernard Picart is known for bernard Picart was a master engraver known for technical precision and his "Innocent Impostors" series which challenged the art market of the eighteenth century.