798 - J. YOUNG (*1765) after MOSNIER (*1743), A Profile of Jacques Delille, mezzotint

J. YOUNG (*1765) after MOSNIER (*1743), A Profile of Jacques Delille, mezzotint John Young (1765–1825) after Jean Laurent Mosnier (1743–1808): Jacques Delille, French poet in profile, 19th century, mezzotint Technique: Mezzotint on paper Inscription: At the bottom, signed on the printing plate: “Peint par J. L. Monnier des academies de Paris et de Londres | Gravé par J. Young, engraver to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.” Inscribed at the bottom of the printing plate: "Jacques Delille | We know that the limits of the inhabited world mark the end of his glory. But one will be set for his memory: that is the boundary of immortality." Date: 19th century Description: The bust portrait depicts the French lyricist Jacques Delille in a slightly turned half-length view to the right. The elegant yet natural expression is effectively emphasized by the soft lighting and the flowing transitions of the mezzotint technique. With his clothing and loose scarf, typical of the period, he epitomizes the cultivated intellectual of the late Enlightenment. Keywords: Jacques Delille; Portrait; French poet; 1802; Enlightenment; Mezzotint; Classical literature; Bust portrait; Intellectual; Half-profile; French Academy; Artist portrait; Elegance; Subtle lighting; Cultural history; Bourgeois representation; Portrait art; Napoleonic period; Realistic facial expression; literary figure; 19th century; Baroque; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 36.0 cm x 24.8 cm (14.2 x 9.8 in), Image: 29.9 cm x 24.7 cm (11.8 x 9.7 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. The sheet is generally well preserved and has a clear pictorial effect. The dark areas are velvety and deep, and the subtle gradations in the face and clothing are well defined. There is slight age-related foxing in the lower area outside the image field. The corners are partially bumped. The reverse side shows adhesive residue and wear on the corners.