Le Cavalier 1605 - 1650

Jean Morin created this print, Le Cavalier, using etching and engraving techniques. The print depicts a lone horseman traveling through a densely wooded landscape, a scene that evokes the rural life of 17th-century France. During this era, landscape art was gaining recognition as a distinct genre, moving away from merely serving as a backdrop for historical or religious narratives. Morin's detailed rendering of nature, from the towering trees to the rolling hills, reflects a growing appreciation for the natural world. The print suggests a society that valued rural life. Prints like these also played an important role in disseminating artistic ideas, allowing those who may not have access to original paintings, to experience art. By studying the patronage of printmaking and the distribution networks of the time, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped artistic production in 17th-century France.