Antonius Vitré c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jean Morin’s portrait of Antonius Vitré. The print captures Vitré, a royal printer, amidst the tools of his trade. There is no date attributed to this portrait. Editor: He seems caught in a moment of contemplation, doesn’t he? The dark tones lend a serious, almost burdened air. Curator: Royal printers held a unique position; they were gatekeepers of information and shaped public discourse through their craft. Editor: The way Morin renders Vitré's hand gesture, it's a symbolic expression—a gesture of openness, perhaps an invitation to engage with the printed word. Curator: Or perhaps it shows Vitré caught between the intellectual world and the material constraints of production. As a printer, he would experience that tension directly. Editor: It speaks to the power dynamics inherent in the printed word, and how images like this one played a part in shaping perceptions of authority and knowledge. Curator: Looking closely at this portrait, I think we get a glimpse into the humanity behind the printer. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how portraits like this one both reflect and shape the cultural status of professions.