34 - André Chalochet (17th century)

André Chalochet (17th century) Draft bookplate for the artist himself (?) (Full-length portrait of a writer holding his quill and hat). 1676. Preparatory drawing for an engraving. Pen and sepia ink on cream laid paper [165 x 240 mm] mounted on azure laid paper. Signed within the oval: “A Chalochet fec.” Dated within the image. Foxing and creases. Numerous small imperfections, water stains, and losses along the edges. AABM stamp (Lugt 3075). Little is known about André Chalochet. “Engraver to the king, whose funeral took place in Saint-André-des-Arts on July 2, 1710. He lived on Rue Dauphine; it can be presumed that he was active before 1700. He was undoubtedly a seal engraver—drawings by him exist in the Clairambault Collection at the Department of Manuscripts—rather than a copperplate engraver.” (Inventory of the French Collection, 17th Century, Volume II, p. 268). The calligraphic text at the bottom suggests that this is a draft bookplate for books in the artist’s library. Transcription of the verses in the cartouche at the bottom: "If this book were to be lost, As may well happen, I pray to God that it be returned To the one who is its master. If I name his follies, Since he is full of good cheer, I name him now: André Chalochet Bonnanfant"