Girard Audran, “Saint Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo”, c. 1679

Girard Audran (also known as Gérard Audran) (1640–1703)

“Saint Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo” (also known as “Sancti Aurelii Augustini”), circa 1679

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching on heavy laid paper with small margins, backed with a support sheet. The design is by Jean Baptiste de Champaigne (1631–1681), and the print was published in Paris by François Muguet (c. 1630–1702). It is understood that this print served as an illustration in one of the volumes of “Sancti Aurelii Augustini,... Opera omnia post Lovaniensium theologorum recensionem castigata... opera et studio monachorum Ordinis sancti Benedicti e Congregatione S. Mauri. Editio Parisina altera, emendata et aucta...”, published in 1679. For further reference, see IFF 27 (URL in references), and the first volume of this publication available on Google Books: https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Sancti_Aurelii_Augustini_Opera_omnia_pos.html?id=l0QM-UXESpEC&redir_esc=y.

The impression is strong and well-printed. Despite some minor holes (primarily in the upper and lower margins), and surface marks, the sheet remains in good condition—free from tears, folds, or significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 41.5 x 26.6 cm

• Platemark: 39.4 x 24.8 cm

• Image borderline: 36.9 x 24 cm

Plate Lettering:

• Within the image borderline inscribed on scroll: “Charitas ex Deo est./ Oremus ergo ut abilo/ detur à quo jubetur.” (Translation: “Charity is from God./ Let us therefore pray that it may be given to the one who is able/ to whom it is commanded.”)

• Along lower edge of the image borderline: (left) “I.B. de Champaigne in.”, (centre) “ex Typog. F. Muguet”, and (right) “G. Audran Sculp.”

• Below the image borderline: (centre) “Hunc legat omnis qui salutem æternam adipisci desiderat, humiliter orans misericordiæ Dominum/ vt eundem spiritum intelligentiæ legens accipiat, quem ille accepit vt Scriberet, et eamdem illuminationis/ gratiam adipiscatur vt discat, quam kille adeptius est vt doceret. S. Fulg. L. 2. de ver. præd. et grat. C. 18.”

Translation of Latin text below the image: “Let everyone who desires to attain eternal salvation read this, humbly praying to the Lord of mercy/ that he may receive the same spirit of intelligence in reading that he received in writing, and may obtain the same grace of illumination in learning that he obtained in teaching.” The reference following this inscription is the recommendation by St. Fulgentius of Ruspe (c. 448–533 AD) for the study of St. Augustine's writings.

References:

• IFF 27 (Roger-Armand Weigert, “Inventaire du Fonds Français Graveurs du XVIIe: ALIX (Jean)–BOUDEAU (Jean)”, 1939, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Département des Estampes, vol. 1, p. 129, cat.no. 27) (See https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5489424r/f133])

• R-D 24 (Robert-Dumesnil, “Le Peintre-Graveur Français”, 1835–71, vol. 9, cat.no. 24)

Price & Shipping:

AU$224 (approximately US$150.20 / €128.77 / £111.54), inclusive of worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in this sensitively executed etching depicting St Augustine interrupted from his studies by the descending Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and a flaming heart, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly send you a PayPal invoice for a secure and straightforward purchase.

This print has been sold