Portrait of Jean Calvin 1772

Pierre Jean Paul de Berny’s 1772 “Portrait of Jean Calvin” is a delicate etching that depicts the French theologian in profile, adorned in a robe and cap. The artist, born in 1722, uses a fine line and intricate detail to capture the likeness of Calvin, framed by an ornate oval and a decorative inscription celebrating his legacy. The inscription, in French, refers to Calvin as a "celebrated theologian" and details the dates of his birth and death, as well as his career as a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation. The work exemplifies the neoclassical style of the era, emphasizing clarity and precision in its depiction of this influential religious figure. The work is currently housed in the Städel Museum.