Jean‑Louis Anselin (26 May 1754 – 15 March 1823) was a French engraver active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is remembered for his portrait engravings and for training a number of younger artists.
Early life and training
Jean‑Louis Anselin was born on 26 May 1754 in France. Details of his family background and early artistic education are sparse, though it is known that he pursued training in the engraving trade, eventually establishing himself as a professional engraver.
Career
Anselin worked primarily in Paris, producing engravings after contemporary painters as well as original portraiture. Among his most celebrated works is an engraved portrait of Madame de Pompadour rendered under the title « La Belle »【1】.
He also engraved works based on paintings exhibited at the Salon, such as Ninon de Lenclos at the Salon of 1802, a composition by Nicolas‑André Monsiau, which Anselin reproduced in print form【2】. These engravings helped disseminate the images of prominent artworks to a wider audience.
Teaching and influence
Anselin acted as a mentor to aspiring engravers. Notably, he provided early training to the painter Adolphe‑Félix Cals, who, after Anselin’s sudden death, continued his studies in engraving under other masters【3】. This mentorship highlights Anselin’s role in the transmission of engraving techniques to the next generation.
Later life and death
Jean‑Louis Anselin remained active in the engraving community until his death on 15 March 1823. The circumstances of his death are not well documented, other than being described as “sudden” in contemporary accounts.
Legacy
While not as widely known today as some of his contemporaries, Anselin’s engravings contributed to the visual culture of his era, particularly in the popularization of portraiture and the reproduction of Salon paintings. His influence persisted through the students he taught and the works he helped circulate.
References
- Jean‑Louis Anselin – Biographical entry noting his portrait of Madame de Pompadour as “La Belle”.
- Ninon de Lenclos at the Salon of 1802 – Engraved by Jean‑Louis Anselin after Nicolas‑André Monsiau.
- Adolphe‑Félix Cals – Mention of early training under Anselin, a family friend, before continuing engraving studies after Anselin’s death.