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Gérard Edelinck

(1640 Antwerp – 1707 Paris)

The Christ Child Venerated by Angels. Engraving after Jacques Stella. 32.3 x 31.1 cm. (1667). Robert-Dumesnil 14. Watermark: Grapes (?) in a circle (fragment).

In 1666, Gérard Edelinck, an engraver from Flanders, settled in Paris, where he achieved great artistic fame and fortune. Following his apprenticeship to Gaspar Huybrechts and Cornelis Galle the Younger in Antwerp he continued his training in Paris under such renowned masters as François de Poilly, Robert Nanteuil and Philippe de Champagne. His marriage to one of Nanteuil’s nieces in 1672 certainly proved propitious for his artistic career. Edelinck was given French nationality by order of the king in 1675 and soon became one of the foremost artists in his guild. The over four hundred prints of his oeuvre rank among the best reproductive engravings made in 17th century France.

Edelinck’s astonishing technical virtuosity is also readily apparent in the present print portraying the Christ child venerated by angels. The elaborate folds in the garments and the curtains hanging above the angels, the moiré effect of which is emphasised by dense hatching patterns, are shown to best advantage thanks to Edelinck’s consummate treatment of the material and his technically sophisticated engraving technique. This highly differentiated, extremely precise composition once again demonstrates Edelinck’s masterful handling of the burin. A very fine, succinctly graded and harmonious impression with thread margins. The print is on offer in a slightly later state dating to 1672 with the change in address. Only minor ageing and handling marks, otherwise in immaculate condition.

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