Pierre Gassendi 1775 - 1800

This is a portrait of Pierre Gassendi, likely made shortly after his death in 1655, using paint on glass. Gassendi was a French philosopher, scientist, and Catholic priest, embodying the complex relationship between faith and reason that defined the 17th century. The portrait itself is interesting. The use of glass as a base was fashionable in Europe, though the dark background may have been intended to emulate a more costly material such as slate, expressing the sitter’s position as a pillar of the church. It is also small and portable. The inscription surrounding Gassendi's head identifies him as a 'Canon of the Cathedral' and 'Provost of Digne'. It is a celebration of his institutional importance. Understanding Gassendi requires looking at his complete works, correspondence, and the records of the institutions he served, piecing together the story of a man who navigated the currents of religion, science, and philosophy in a transformative period of European history.