The Little Physicist. 17th Century Engraving

The gaze of painter Gaspard Nestcher ( 1639 - 1684 ) as he paints this beautifully dressed child making soap bubbles, touches us with tenderness, as he must have been recalling his own childhood, adopted by a physicist.
He was even to embrace this career, but soon his pictorial talent was fostered by his environment, his master being a member of his tutor's family.
He embarked on a European career as a court portraitist, entering the service of the King of England.
When Jean Georges de Wille (1715 - 1808 ) engraved this picture, he was already considered an old master, collected by connoisseurs.
This engraver reproduced, with their support, the greatest painters of his time, as well as works collected in private cabinets.
This engraving was beautifully framed in the 19th century in a wide beige passe partout, and a gilded mecca stick whose silver sheen plays with the gray of the engraving.
The set is in very good condition, allowing us to appreciate a print lover's frame.
Engraving dimensions: 24 cm x 17 cm