Gerard Edelinck

Engraved portrait by Gérard Edelinck (Antwerp 1640 - Paris 1707) after Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743), representing Charles d’Hozier (Paris 1640-1732), juge d’armes (court heraldist) and the King’s genealogist in 1691. This portrait draws together all the characteristics of the portrait d’apparat, reserved for the monarchy, the nobility and the upper middle class: grandiose presentation with curtains, columns and classical dress, imposing posture of the character, who lays his right hand on what is probably his most important work.

The following text appears below the image: “Mre. Charles d’Hozier, Coner. Du Roi, Généalogiste de sa Maison, Juge gñal des Armes, et des Blazons de France et Chtr de la Religion, et des Ordres Militaires de St Maurice, et de St Lazare de Savoie, agé de 50 ans, et fils du célèbre Mre Pierre d’Hozier / Hiacinthus Rigaud pinxit ; G. Édelinck sculpsit C.P.R. 1691”. 

Gérard Edelinck born October 20, 1640 in Antwerp (Belgium) was a French engraver of Flemish origin. He was an apprentice of Gaspar Huberti (Huybrechts) and of Cornelius Galle the Younger, a renowned engraver from Antwerp. He moved to Paris where he studied and worked under the wing of well-known artists such as the painters Philippe de Champaigne and Charles Le Brun and the engraver Robert Nanteuil. Named by Louis XIV Knight of the Order of Saint Michel and Engraver of the King, he was already a professor at the small academy created at the Gobelins factory for the instruction of upholsterers. In 1672, he married Madeleine Reguesson, Nantreuil’s niece, with Charles le Brun and Philippe de Champaigne as witnesses. Gérard Edelinck was one of the most remarkable engravers of the 18th century and made a significant contribution to the art of engraving. It was he who first substituted diamond-shaped dimensions for square dimensions and who infused engravings with colour. He treated the works he reproduced with a little more realism, but preserved the softness of the art of Nanteuil. His output totals over 300 pieces. Edelinck died in Paris on April 2, 1707, at the age of 66.

Source: Benezit Dictionary of Artists.

Artist: Gérard Edelinck (1640-1707).
Signed in bottom right corner: G. Edelinck Sculp C.P.R. 1691.
Medium: Line engraving on paper.
Condition: Very good condition. Restored.
Dimensions: 47 x 35 cm. / 18 ½ x 13 ¾ in.
Frame: 62 x 50 cm. / 24 ½ x 19 ½ in. Gilt wood, good general condition. A few small imperfections. New mat and museum glass.
Origin: France.