Gérard Edelinck

About the Subject

This distinguished 1693 engraving depicts Jean Baptiste Michel Colbert de Saint-Pouange (1640-1710), a prominent French ecclesiastic and member of the influential Colbert family. Born in Paris in 1640, he was appointed councillor-clerk in the Paris parliament on April 1, 1667, and became a canon on August 3, 1668, being ordained on October 5, 1670.

Appointed Bishop of Montauban by King Louis XIV on November 22, 1674, Colbert oversaw significant architectural projects including the construction of a new general hospital (Hôtel-Dieu) in the north of the city and the beginning of construction on the new cathedral. He also completed construction of a new diocese building—the current Ingres Museum—which served as the episcopal palace until 1790.

Elevated to Archbishop of Toulouse on August 15, 1687, Colbert established the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Saint-Lazare Mission Seminary there. In 1680, he began construction of the new archiepiscopal palace of Toulouse. He died on July 11, 1710, in Paris, having served the French church with distinction for over four decades.

About the Artist

Gérard Edelinck (1640-1707), born October 20, 1640 in Antwerp, Belgium, was one of the most accomplished engravers of the 17th century. Initially apprenticed to Gaspar Huberti and Cornelius Galle the Younger in Antwerp, Edelinck moved to Paris where he studied under renowned artists including painters Philippe de Champaigne and Charles Le Brun, and the celebrated engraver Robert Nanteuil.

Named by Louis XIV as Knight of the Order of Saint Michel and Engraver of the King, Edelinck also served as professor at the small academy created at the Gobelins factory. In 1672, he married Madeleine Reguesson, Nanteuil's niece, with Charles Le Brun and Philippe de Champaigne serving as witnesses—a testament to his standing in French artistic circles.

Artistic Significance

Gérard Edelinck made significant contributions to the art of engraving, being the first to substitute diamond-shaped dimensions for square dimensions and to infuse engravings with subtle color variations. He treated the works he reproduced with enhanced realism while preserving the refined softness characteristic of Nanteuil's style. His output totals over 300 pieces, making him one of the most prolific and influential engravers of the French Baroque period.

This 1693 portrait of Archbishop Colbert exemplifies Edelinck's mature style, combining technical precision with psychological depth. Edelinck died in Paris on April 2, 1707, at the age of 66.

Technical Details

Artist: Gérard Edelinck (1640-1707)
Signed and dated: "G. Edelinck Sculp. 1693"
Medium: Etching on paper, mounted on cardboard
Condition: Very good condition
Dimensions: 26.5 x 21 cm / 10½ x 8¼ in (sheet); 25 x 20 cm / 9¾ x 8 in (image)
Frame: 38 x 31 cm / 15 x 12¼ in, carved wood, very good condition
Origin: France

Sources: Benezit Dictionary of Artists; Archives de France.

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