Titelpagina voor: La Bruyère, Jean de. Les Caractères de Théophraste et de La Bruyère, avec des notes par M. Coste, 1765

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of 18th French book illustration with this finely engraved title page by Louis Jacques Cathelin, in 1765. Titled *Titelpagina voor: Bruyère, Jean. Les Caractères Théophraste et La Bruyère, des notes par M.e*, it served as the grand introduction to a scholarly edition of Jean de Lauyère's renowned *Les Caractères*. influential work, first published in 1688, drew from ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus to offer sharp, satirical portraits of human vices and virtues, blending moral philosophy with keen social observation during France's Enlightenment era. Cathelin's engraving, measuring a compact 243mm by 163mm, exemplifies the precision of 18th-century intaglio techniques. Using a burin to incise intricate lines into a copper plate, engravers like Cathelin produced rich, detailed images ideal for book fronts, ensuring high-quality reproductions that elevated literature's visual appeal. Title pages often featured symbolic motifs—emblems of wisdom, satire, or classical allusions—mirroring the text's intellectual depth and making books coveted collector's items. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2760, this piece boasts prestigious provenance, linking it to a distinguished library or archive. It reminds us how engravings bridged art and text, democratizing culture while preserving Enlightenment ideals for generations of readers.