François Hubert

About the Engraving

This exquisite late 18th-century engraving by François Hubert (1744–1809) depicts Louis d'Orléans de La Motte, Bishop of Amiens, in formal ecclesiastical attire. Created circa 1780, the portrait exemplifies the refined technique and meticulous attention to detail characteristic of French printmaking during the Enlightenment period.

The composition presents the Bishop in three-quarter view, wearing traditional clerical vestments with fine lace details and a pectoral cross. Hubert's masterful use of line work creates subtle gradations of light and shadow, lending dimensional depth to the figure while capturing the dignified bearing and contemplative expression of this important religious figure. The engraving demonstrates the sophisticated portrait conventions of late 18th-century France, where such prints served both as commemorative images and as documentation of prominent ecclesiastical and aristocratic figures.

About the Artist

François Hubert (1744–1809) was a celebrated French engraver renowned for his portraits of ecclesiastical dignitaries, aristocrats, and notable figures of the Enlightenment era. Born in Paris, Hubert trained in the academic tradition of French printmaking and developed a distinctive style characterized by precise line work, elegant composition, and psychological insight.

Throughout his career, Hubert produced an extensive body of portrait engravings that documented the leading figures of late 18th-century French society. His works were highly sought after during his lifetime and continue to be valued for their technical excellence and historical significance. Hubert's engravings provide important visual records of the period immediately preceding the French Revolution, capturing the refined culture of the ancien régime.

Working primarily in Paris, Hubert collaborated with publishers and print sellers who distributed his works throughout France and Europe. His portraits are distinguished by their combination of formal elegance and individual characterization, reflecting both the conventions of official portraiture and the artist's ability to convey the personality of his subjects.

Historical Context

Louis d'Orléans de La Motte served as Bishop of Amiens during a pivotal period in French history. This engraving captures him during the final decades of the ancien régime, when the Catholic Church maintained significant political and social influence in France. Such portrait engravings served multiple purposes: they commemorated important ecclesiastical appointments, circulated the likenesses of prominent religious figures, and reinforced the authority and prestige of the Church hierarchy.

Technical Details

Artist: François Hubert (1744–1809)
Subject: Louis d'Orléans de La Motte, Bishop of Amiens
Date: c.1780
Medium: Engraving
Condition: Good antique condition with age-appropriate patina
Dimensions: 20 x 14.5 cm / 8 x 5¾ in. (sheet) 15 x 10 cm. / 6 x 4 in. (image).
Frame: 34.5 x 29.5 cm / 13½ x 11½ in. Gilt wood, acid-free matting and glass.
Origin: France
Period: Late 18th century, Enlightenment era

A distinguished example of French ecclesiastical portraiture from the ancien régime period.