Pierre Audouin

About the Engraving

This magnificent allegorical engraving from 1804 depicts a young woman with an arrow, possibly representing Venus. The work is titled "Il n'est plus tems" (It is no longer time) and was created by Pierre Audouin (1768-1822) after a composition by French painter and engraver Pierre Bouillon (1776-1831). The print exemplifies the refined neoclassical style that dominated French art during the Napoleonic era, with its elegant figure, classical drapery, and sophisticated composition.

The engraving is dedicated to His Excellency the Count of Cobenzl, Johann Philipp Graf von Cobenzl (1741-1810), a prominent statesman of the Habsburg monarchy who served as Austrian ambassador to Paris from 1801 to 1805. The Cobenzl family coat of arms appears on the print. This work was officially registered at France's National Library on 16 Ventôse Year 12 of the Republican calendar, corresponding to March 7, 1804.

About Pierre Audouin

Pierre Audouin (1768-1822) was a distinguished French draughtsman and burin engraver active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born and working in Paris, he studied under the renowned engraver Beauvarlet and was influenced by the neoclassical School of David. Audouin became one of the most accomplished engravers of his generation, known for his technical mastery and refined interpretations of paintings by old masters.

During the Empire period, Audouin was awarded the prestigious title of engraver to Madame Mère (Letizia Bonaparte, Napoleon's mother). In 1804, he contributed three engravings after Jean-Baptiste Isabey to the "Livre du Sacre de l'Empereur" (Book of the Coronation of the Emperor), documenting Napoleon's coronation. He engraved works by Italian and Dutch masters for Laurent's Musée Français, as well as paintings by Correggio, Raphael, and Eustache Lesueur.

After the Restoration, Audouin continued his successful career, engraving portraits of the royal family and prominent personalities of the era, including the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Marmont. This work earned him the title of engraver in ordinary to the King. His engravings were highly fashionable during his lifetime and remain valued for their technical excellence and artistic refinement.

About the Dedication

Johann Philipp Graf von Cobenzl (1741-1810) was an important Austrian diplomat and statesman who played a significant role in European politics during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As Austrian ambassador to Paris from 1801 to 1805, he was a key figure in Franco-Austrian relations during the Napoleonic period. The dedication of this engraving to Count Cobenzl reflects both his prominence in Parisian society and the diplomatic connections between France and Austria during this era.

Technical Details

Artist: Pierre Audouin (1768-1822)
After: Pierre Bouillon (1776-1831)
Title: Il n'est plus tems
Date: March 7, 1804 (16 Ventôse Year 12)
Medium: Burin engraving on paper
Dedication: To His Excellency the Count of Cobenzl
Registration: National Library of France, 1804
Condition: Excellent condition
Dimensions: 48 × 34 cm (19 × 13 ½ in.) — Plate size
Frame: 67 × 54 cm (26 ¼ × 21 ¼ in.) — Gilt wood
Origin: France

Sources: G. Dugnot and P. Sanchez, Dictionnaire de graveurs, illustrateurs et affichistes, Vol. 1, L'Échelle de Jacob Publishers, 2001; Dictionnaire des artistes de l'école française, Vol. 1; Benezit, Dictionary of Artists.