Jesuit Missionary in the Indies – Antique French Engraving by Portier, c.1790
€ 270
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1790
Sheet size
20 × 12.5 cm (7.9 × 4.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14078-1
Condition
Condition report: Very good condition with only light toning and a few small foxing spots in the margins. Plate mark visible. Minor edge wear consistent with age. Strong, clear impression with well-preserved line work.
About this sheet
Jesuit Missionary in the Indies – Antique French Engraving by Portier, c.1790
This fine antique engraving, titled “Missionnaire de la Compagnie de Jésus aux Indes,” portrays a Jesuit missionary in traditional attire, engraved by Portier in France around 1790. The figure stands in full length, facing forward, dressed in a long robe and cloak, with a staff in one hand and a broad-brimmed hat in the other. His sandals, beard, and head covering reflect the adaptation of European missionaries to local climates and customs while working in distant lands.
In the background, a landscape stretches towards the horizon, with distant buildings and palm-like trees indicating an exotic setting associated with “the Indies”—a term historically encompassing South and Southeast Asia. Jesuit missionaries were active in India, China, Japan, and various other regions from the 16th century onwards, often playing pivotal roles as educators, linguists, and cultural intermediaries. The engraving captures both the solemnity of their mission and the sense of travel and cultural encounter that defined their work.
The plate is framed within a decorative engraved border, with the title elegantly inscribed below and two small ornamental flourishes. The name of the engraver, “Portier sculp.,” appears in the lower right. This type of image was often included in French illustrated histories, encyclopedias, and travel accounts, providing European audiences with visual representations of distant peoples and cultures. Today, such prints are appreciated for their documentary value, artistic quality, and insight into early European perceptions of the wider world.
Condition report: Very good condition with only light toning and a few small foxing spots in the margins. Plate mark visible. Minor edge wear consistent with age. Strong, clear impression with well-preserved line work.
Framing tips: This engraving would be striking in a dark wood or black frame with a cream or off-white archival mat, allowing the fine detail to stand out. A gilt inner slip could enhance the classical elegance and draw attention to the engraved border.
Technique: Engraving Maker: Portier, France, c.1790
