Portret van Guillaume Dubois in zijn studeervertrek

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

This engraving by Pierre Imbert Drevet, created in 1724, captures Guillaume Dubois seated in his study, surrounded by the quiet trappings of scholarship and authority. At nearly half a meter tall, the print’s generous scale allows for remarkable detail in the textures of fabric, wood, and paper, demonstrating the refined technique for which Drevet was celebrated. As an engraving, the work could be produced in multiple impressions, enabling the image of this influential French statesman to circulate among collectors and admirers across Europe. The presence of collector’s mark Lugt 240 further enriches the print’s story, linking it to a distinguished provenance and underscoring how such works were treasured by connoisseurs. Drevet’s careful line work transforms a private moment into a lasting public record, reflecting the eighteenth-century fascination with portraits that conveyed both personal character and professional stature. Today the engraving invites viewers to appreciate the artistry of printmaking while glimpsing the intellectual world of early eighteenth-century France.