Grégoire Huret (XVII)

Grégoire Huret (1606-1670) – Arms of Charles I de La Vieuville – Original copper-engraved burin print from the 17th century French School of the 17th century – Heraldic and emblematic composition bearing the arms of the La Vieuville family. Exceptional for the finesse of its execution and the richness of its iconography, this old copper-engraved print bears the signature “Gr. Huret f.”, corresponding to Grégoire Huret (1606-1670), an important French engraver of the Grand Century. The artist Born in Lyon in 1606 and died in Paris in 1670, Grégoire Huret was one of the most remarkable French engravers of the 17th century. A master of the burin, he distinguished himself by his religious, allegorical and heraldic compositions, as well as by his frontispieces and thesis engravings dedicated to the highest personages of the realm. His work is notably represented in the collections of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the British Museum. Description of the engraving This heraldic composition, of remarkable precision, depicts the arms of the La Vieuville family, very likely associated with Charles I de La Vieuville (1582-1653), a prominent figure at the courts of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. The arms are supported by two imposing figures of wild men, clothed in foliage and each bearing a club. The central escutcheon presents a particularly elaborate arrangement: * In the first and fourth quarters, a chevron with three bezants. * In the second and third quarters, a field of ermine surmounted by a indented chief. * In the center, a shield bearing seven holly leaves arranged 3, 3 and 1, corresponding to the ancient arms of the Cosquer, linked to the Breton origins of the La Vieuville family. Below the shield are the insignia of the prestigious royal orders of Saint Michael and the Holy Spirit. The whole is enriched with emblematic medallions representing notably a dog and a serpent, accompanied by Latin inscriptions evoking fidelity, prudence, virtue and honor. The composition also includes a quotation from Horace taken from the Odes, Book III, Ode 2. The engraving bears witness to an exceptional mastery of the burin, particularly visible in the anatomical treatment of the figures, the cross-hatching of the background, the ornaments and the minute heraldic details. Charles I de La Vieuville (1582-1653) Charles I de La Vieuville was one of the important figures of the French monarchy in the 17th century. He held the positions of Superintendent of Finances, and Minister of State, and was made a Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit. Raised to the dukedom in 1651, he belonged to a noble family whose heraldic origins lie especially in Brittany. The arms appearing on this print show a particularly convincing correspondence with those of Charles I de La Vieuville, notably the seven holly leaves, the three bezants, the quarters of ermine and the two wild men serving as supporters. Dating and technique 17th century, probably mid-century, around 1635-1655. Copper-plate engraving, bearing on the plate the signature “Gr. Huret f.” The exact dating and bibliographic reference of this composition remain to be determined. Dimensions * Engraving: 23.5 × 18.3 cm * Frame: 38.5 × 44 cm Condition Good apparent condition for an old print of this period. The impression shows a high level of detail, solid blacks and excellent legibility of the heraldic elements. The paper bears an antique patina and some natural signs of time. The engraving is kept under glass and presented in its frame.

Estimate:£125.8

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