Engraved Copy of a Self-Portrait of Philippe de Champaigne, Gerard Edlicnk, 1676, Engraving, France

Born in Brussels in 1602, Philippe de Champaigne served as a founding member of the Académic Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, or the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. He entered the service of the French Royal court in 1625 and flourished under the reign of Louis XIV until his death in 1674. This engraving by Gerard Edelinck, a copy of a self-portrait performed by Champaigne, demonstrates the important nature of Champaigne in French art, as Edelinck was seen as the great engraver of the period. Both of these great artists received patronage from Louis XIV and bore praise from the like of Charles Le Brun. Furthermore, both artists held Flemish roots with Edelinck coming from Antwerp. This Flemish connection contributes to their inspiration by the Dutch master, Peter Paul Rubens. Edelinck’s copy of Champaigne’s self-portrait highlights the connection between the two men and the respect held for Champaigne by his younger peers.