Portret van Valentin Jameray Duval

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Valentin Jameray Duval is a delicate etching by Remi Henry Joseph Del, created in 1785. just 134 mm high by 94 mm wide, this portrait captures Valentin Jamer Duval, a noted French violinist and composer the era. Delvaux, a skilled engraver working in the late 18 century, employs the etching technique—where acid etches lines into a metal plate—to produce fine, expressive details, making high-quality portraits accessible beyond oil paintings. Set against the backdrop of pre-Revolutionary France, the work reflects the Enlightenment's fascination with individual achievement, particularly in music and the arts. Duval's likeness likely served as a memento for admirers, highlighting his prominence in Parisian musical circles. Etching's precision allowed for subtle shading and texture, bridging rococo elegance with emerging neoclassicism. Adorned with the collector's mark Lugt 2228—belonging to Eugène Dutuit, a 19th-century French connoisseur—this print underscores its enduring value in art collecting. A charming window into 18th-century cultural life, it invites visitors to appreciate the artistry of printmaking and the legacy of forgotten virtuosos.