St. Anthony of Padua Preaching to the Fishes

1735. Engraving on cream laid paper, 6 x 8 1/2 inches (153 x 217 mm), full margins. Scattered areas of light brown discoloration, scattered handling wear and age related minor defects. Moderate age toning around the perimeter of the sheet, outside of image area. Partial indiscernible watermark, lower left sheet corner. Likely printed late 18th century. Said to have always been good natured, Jacques-Philippe Le Bas was the founder of the largest 18th century engraving studio in Paris. Le Bas was born into relative poverty, the son of a wig maker, too destitute to attend school, he was educated at home by his mother. After showing talent in draftsmanship, he was apprenticed to an engraver, where he excelled at the skill. It was around this time that the wealthy financier, and collector of old masters, Pierre Crozat, was introduced to Le Bas, and enlisted his services in reproducing the works in his own collection, perhaps including this image of St. Anthony Preaching to the Fishes, which was painted by 17th century Baroque master Salvator Rosa. In subsequent years, Le Bas, once again faced with financial hardship, conceived to start an engraving studio, and quickly found himself at the helm of the largest studio in Paris, training the most famous engravers in France. The success granted him the opportunity to apply to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, where in 1743 he was admitted, and given permission to reproduce the works of its members. After a long career, in 1782, King Louis XVI appointed La Bas Court Engraver to the Cabinet des Médailles, a commission he unfortunately left unfulfilled. La Bas died in Paris at the age of 75, in 1783.