The Chronicler 1774 - 1789

This etching by Jean-Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine, titled "The Chronicler," depicts a lone figure seated by a window, intently writing. Created between 1774 and 1789, the artwork's intimate scale and detailed rendering of the figure's posture and surroundings create a sense of quiet contemplation. Norblin de la Gourdaine was known for his masterful use of light and shadow, which are evident in the work's atmospheric quality. The artwork's subject matter, a figure engaged in the act of writing, suggests the importance of recording history and knowledge. "The Chronicler" is a compelling example of Norblin de la Gourdaine's skill as an artist, and a poignant reflection on the act of creative expression.