Portret van Jean Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Jean Pierre Norblin de Gourdaine** This intimate etching, titled *Portret van Jean Pierreblin de la Gourd*, is a self-port by the French artist of the same name (1755–1830). Measuring just 137 mm by 147 mm, it captures artist's likeness in a compact, detailed format typical of 18th- and early 19th-century print. Norblin, known for his work as a painter and engraver, particularly in Poland where he documented everyday life and historical events, showcases his skill in this modest yet revealing piece. Etching, the medium here, involves coating a metal plate with acid-resistant ground, scratching lines through it, and immersing it in acid to etch the grooves—allowing for expressive, fluid lines ideal for portraits. This technique was revolutionary for its accessibility, enabling artists like Norblin to produce multiples for wider dissemination, bridging fine art and popular imagery during the Enlightenment era. On the verso, a collector's mark stamped Lugt 2228 (from Frits Lugt's authoritative catalog) hints at esteemed provenance, linking the work to a notable European collection. Such marks underscore the etching's enduring value, inviting us to ponder Norblin's self-presentation amid his peripatetic career across France and Poland. (198 words)