Chasteau Dargencourt / Monsieur le Mareschal de Schomberg presentant les Anglois Captifs a sa Mayeste

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

Abraham Bosse's etching *Chasteau Dargencourt / Monsieur le Mchal de Schombergant les Anglois Capt a sa Mayeste* (ca. 1628–1631) captures a triumphant moment from France's military campaigns during the turbulent early 17th century. wide panoramic format (162 × 601 mm) depicts Marshal Frédéric-Armand de Schom presenting captured English soldiers to King Louis XIII at the Château d'Argencourt, commemorating French victories amid the Anglo-French conflicts tied to the Huguenot Wars and the failed English expedition to the Île de Ré in 1627. Such scenes glorified royal power and military prowess, reflecting the era's intense national rivalries during the lead-up to the Thirty Years' War. As a master etcher, Bosse excelled in intricate line work and detailed compositions, influenced by Jacques Callot. His technique here—fine, precise incisions on a copper plate—allowed for rich textures in uniforms, architecture, and figures, making the print both a historical record and a reproducible propaganda piece popular among the nobility. Bosse's etchings often documented contemporary events with documentary precision, bridging art and journalism. Bearing a collector's mark (Lugt 240), this work highlights its value in elite collections, offering visitors a window into 17th-century French pride and printmaking innovation.

About the Artist

Abraham Bosse · 1602–1676

Abraham Bosse (1604–1676) was a French printmaker and theorist whose approximately 1,600 etchings provide an unparalleled visual record of 17th-century French life. Born to Huguenot parents in Tours, he trained in Paris under Melchior Tavernier and became a devoted follower of Jacques Callot's technical innovations. Bosse's meticulous etchings depicted subjects ranging from daily life and fashion ...