Jacques-Auguste de Thou, premier president au Parlement 1605 - 1650

Jean Morin created this engraving of Jacques-Auguste de Thou, premier president au Parlement, a study in tone and texture rendered in ink on paper. The subject’s gaze is steady, framed by a voluminous fur coat and an intricate ruff, all contained within an oval border inscribed with elegant Latin text. Morin masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching to build form and depth. Notice how the varying densities of lines create subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving volume to de Thou's face and weight to his garments. The textures range from the softness of the fur to the crispness of the ruff, engaging the viewer in a tactile dialogue. The oval border, a common device in portraiture, acts as a frame within a frame, drawing attention to the central figure. The controlled and deliberate marks give structure to the image and highlight the material qualities of the printmaking process itself. This work exemplifies how the interplay of form, texture, and composition can convey both likeness and the essence of character.