Jean Duvet

Jean Duvet (* 1485 probably in Dijon, † after 1562 ) was a goldsmith and engraver of the Renaissance in Burgundy. His engravings are considered one of the most important groups of this art form during this period in France.

Master of the Unicorn

Because of a known series of six engravings depicting a unicorn Duvet is also the Master of the Unicorn ( fr. " Maître à la Licorne " ) called. Especially in the 18th and 19th centuries this Notname in use since few details of the Master's life were known.

Art style

The engravings duvets are distinguished by their detailed lines. It is in his work - especially in the Apocalypse of John detect influences of Dürer, also, it is believed that he came in contact with works of the Italian Renaissance. However Duvet developed an independent approach, characterized by the abundance of people and motives which he brings together in an image.

Curriculum vitae

The exact course of the life of Jean Duvet is controversial, as his birthplace Dijon is assumed in the then county of Burgundy, where it is 1509 champion in the guild. He received commissions for works also for public occasions and his Unicorn series celebrates the royal house. He probably died in Langres, after 1562nd

Maybe he talked to a tent in Lang Calvinist Geneva, and it may also be at the Jean Duvet in 1540 mentioned therein to one of his relatives.

Works (selection)

The duvet of known and either by signature or style attributable to him more than 70 engravings are rare, even as Duvet limited its circulation.

• The triumph of the Unicorn series of six engravings,
• Moses and the Patriarchs, ca 1540-50
• The Apocalypse of John, series of 21 engravings, in 1555.
• The marriage of Adam and Eve by the Eternal Father, about 1540/1555