XVIIe Century Period Dressed Engraving

Amazing engraving from the Louis XIV period, engraved by Henri Bonnart, entirely dressed in period silks, and enhanced with gold, representing the blessed Robert de Brissel. It is very amusing to note that Robert de Brissel (1047-1117), a rigorous hermit, founder of famous abbeys such as Fontevreau, becomes in the iconography of the great century, an elegant court abbot, in his luxurious study, entirely covered with precious hangings. Henri Bonnart (1642-1711), member of a line of engravers, was a painter, admitted to the Academy of Saint Luc, and above all kept an engraving shop on rue Saint Jacques, under the sign of the rooster. He is known for making portraits of the nobility of the kingdom. It is not surprising that he adorns a holy man with the same finery. The work of dressed engravings is practiced to make the representations of characters more lively. This is a work of patience. Here the technique is very accomplished, making ample use of different fabrics, and gold highlights. We notice the engraving has been cut in places to enhance the fabric in turn. Presented in its original frame, with a closed fir background, it is in remarkable condition (perhaps cleaned in the 19th century)