551 - C. BRICART (*1705) after SANTERRE (*1651), *The True Portrait of the Thief Cartouche*, copper engraving

C. BRICART (*1705) after SANTERRE (*1651), *The True Portrait of the Thief Cartouche*, copper engraving Claude Bricart (before 1705 – after 1711) after Jean-Baptiste Santerre (1651 – 1717): The True Portrait of the French Thief Louis-Dominique Bourguignon “Cartouche”—a young man with a sword and a tricorn hat in the Baroque style, 18th century, copper engraving Technique: Copper engraving on paper Inscription: Signed at the bottom of the printing plate: "Santerre pinx. / Bricart sculp.". At the bottom, inscribed on the printing plate: "Virtue in youth Is often nothing more than a passion, But it becomes nobility When combined with moderation. In Paris at Darcher, Engraver on Rue St. Jacques au Palmier.". Date: 18th century Description: The portrait depicts a young man in Baroque attire, portrayed in a self-assured, slightly forward-leaning posture. He is wearing a coat adorned with buttons and a neckerchief. His face is framed by curly hair, and a tricorn hat sits casually on his head. The expression on his face is serious and thoughtful, with a slight smile. He holds a sword in his right hand, suggesting a possible military rank. The background is dark, drawing attention to the figure and highlighting the details of his clothing and facial expressions. The light comes from the front, vividly emphasizing his facial features and the folds of his clothing. Other prints from the same plate bear the inscription stating that it is a portrait of a well-known French thief named Louis-Dominique Bourguignon, known as “Cartouche.” Keywords: portrait; Baroque; young man; dagger; tricorn; buttons; neckerchief; curly hair; serious; thoughtful; self-confidence; military; Baroque clothing; light and shadow; facial expression; drapery; sculptural depiction; 18th century; Baroque; Portraits; France; Size: Paper: 30.9 cm x 22.8 cm (12.2 x 9 in), Plate: 25.7 cm x 18.8 cm (10.1 x 7.4 in), Image: 22.3 cm x 17.8 cm (8.8 x 7 in) Condition: In poor condition. There is a full-page horizontal crease in the center with traces of rubbing on the print. The paper surface is torn at the right margin due to the crease. Along the center of the left edge of the sheet, there is a coarse tear extending to the edge, as well as several shorter marginal tears and soiling. Slightly bumped in places along the right edge of the sheet. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped and creased. Two tiny marginal tears along the upper edge. The print is rubbed over the entire surface.