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Louis Seize, Roi des Français, Restaurateur de la Liberté (Louis XVI, Restorer of Liberty) by Charles Clément Bervic
Dejanira being abducted by the centaur Nessos, a man with bow and arrow at right, after Reni by Charles Clément Bervic
Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes by Charles Clément Bervic
Saint John the Baptist in the Desert by Charles Clément Bervic
La Déclaration (The Declaration) by Charles Clément Bervic
Louis XVI by Charles Clément Bervic
Louis XVI by Charles Clément Bervic
Le Serment (The Oath) by Charles Clément Bervic
1756–1822 · French

Charles Clément Bervic

Charles Clément Bervic once broke his most famous copper plate to survive the French Revolution. As the official engraver to Louis XVI, he faced significant risk during the Reign of Terror. He snapped the engraving plate of the King in two to demonstrate his revolutionary spirit. After the political climate stabilised, he repaired the metal. Later prints of the portrait show a thin horizontal line where the two halves were joined.

Portrait of Charles Clément Bervic

Biography

His approach relied on the rigorous application of the burin to copper. Bervic studied under Jean-Georges Wille and became a leader of the Neoclassical style in print. He avoided rapid production. He often dedicated several years to completing a single work such as Laocoön or The Training of Achilles. This slow method ensured every line served a specific purpose in defining form and shadow. His prints possess a sculptural quality that differs from the softer textures of etching.

These engravings appeal to those who appreciate the discipline of traditional craftsmanship. The black and white compositions provide a neutral element for home decor. Collectors find value in the historical context of his portraits, including figures like the Comte de Vergennes. The work offers a sense of permanence and structural clarity. It represents a period when printmaking was a primary medium for sharing classical art with a wider audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • When was Charles Clément Bervic born?
    Charles Clément Bervic was born in 1756 and died in 1822.
  • What is Charles Clément Bervic known for?
    Charles Clément Bervic is known for charles Clément Bervic was a premier French Neoclassical engraver known for his technical precision and his famous portrait of Louis XVI.

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