Marquis d’Argens Portrait Engraving French Philosopher of the Enlightenment

Description

An antique portrait engraving depicting Jean-Baptiste de Boyer Marquis d’Argens, the French writer and philosopher associated with the Enlightenment.

Born in Aix-en-Provence, d’Argens was the author of Lettres juives and a friend of Voltaire. He spent many years at the court of Frederick II of Prussia. His writings contributed to the intellectual debates of his time concerning tolerance and the questioning of received ideas.

The sitter appears in a bust-length portrait within an oval surround, wearing long curls and a generously draped garment. A decorative cartouche identifies him, while a French verse below links his military background with his literary pursuits.

The print bears the inscriptions “Peint par Van Pée” and “Desrochers”. The publication line names Petit in Paris, rue Saint-Jacques, at the sign of the Couronne d’épines near the Mathurins.

Fine engraved lines describe the sitter’s hair, facial features and clothing. A visible plate mark surrounds the composition, and the sheet retains margins around the printed area.

Details:

• Subject: Jean-Baptiste de Boyer Marquis d’Argens.

• Proposed period: 18th century.

• Possible impression date: circa 1771, not confirmed.

• Names inscribed: Van Pée and Desrochers.

• Publication address: Petit in Paris.

• Sheet dimensions: 20.7 × 16 cm.

• Engraved image dimensions: 15.5 × 10 cm.

• Monochrome impression on paper.