Gabriel Perelle (vernon 1603 – Paris 1677) - Large Circular Landscape With Shepherds

A beautiful and rare tondo etching by Gabriel Perelle, one of the leading figures in landscape engraving in France during the reign of Louis XIV.

This composition, signed on the plate “Perelle Inuent et fecit”, depicts a vast wooded landscape enlivened by a few shepherds leading their flock across a stream. The tall pines with their dramatic silhouettes, the rocks in the foreground, and the depth of the horizon reflect the influence of the classical Italian landscape, particularly that of Claude Lorrain, whose aesthetic Perelle played a major role in disseminating through engraving.

The print bears the inscription “Drevet avec Privilège” in the lower right corner, corresponding to an early publication made from Gabriel Perelle’s original plate in the late 17th century or very early 18th century.

A very fine print on antique laid paper, preserved with its original margins. The print retains good contrast, revealing the full subtlety of the etching in the foliage, the clouds, and the distant landscapes.

Sheet dimensions: 22.5 × 22.8 cm.

Mount dimensions: 21 × 21 cm.

In good condition. Slight patina on the paper consistent with its age.

Works by the artist are held in several public collections, notably at the Geneva Museum of Art and History and in British collections dedicated to the work of Gabriel Perelle.