Jacques-Auguste de Thou (1553 – 1617)
France, 1611
Engraving
Paper: 328 x 261mm; mount: 558 x 405mm
Morin was a French engraver best known for his portraits of royalty and politicians. This print was created after a painting by Ferdinand Elle (1570-1637), court artist to Louis XIII. De Thou was a French statesman who drafted the Edict of Nantes (1598) that decreed toleration of the Huguenots (French Protestant Christians). His high status is signified by his lace ruff and expensive fur trimmings. The fur is particularly highlighted by Morin’s technique of line and stipple, which allowed him to create tone and texture.
Purchased 1956 (No.56.3)