Carondelet

The print Carondelet was executed by the Dutch artist Jan van Somer (1645-1699) sometime between 1665 and 1699. This reproductive print was created in the Netherlands using the mezzotint technique on ivory paper, based on an original oil painting by the High Renaissance master, Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael.

Somer, a significant figure in the early development and adoption of the mezzotint technique, specialized in translating celebrated Renaissance and Baroque paintings into reproducible prints. The 17th century saw a flourishing market for reproductive printmaking in the Netherlands, allowing European audiences to access visual knowledge of masterpieces, such as Raphael’s portrait of Jean de Carondelet, a high-ranking cleric. The mezzotint medium was valued for its ability to capture subtle tonal shifts and deep, velvety blacks, effectively translating the texture and gravity of the original painting into a graphic form.

This work exemplifies the cultural exchange between Italy and the Netherlands, demonstrating how Dutch prints disseminated Italian classical compositions across the continent. Somer’s treatment emphasizes the subject’s contemplative expression and detailed costume, underscoring the influence of the original Raphael composition centuries after its creation. Classified as a print, the piece is part of the extensive collection held by the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historical reproduction, this work is widely available and accessible through public domain art initiatives, ensuring continued study of Somer’s masterful execution.