Bertrand Dupré
When ink, metal and pressure meet the hand
- Bertrand prints images from engraved metal plates with burin, aquatint and etching
- He leads the prestigious chalcographie atelier of the cultural institution GrandPalaisRmn
- Each of his prints is pulled by hand, one at a time
Bertrand Dupré's intaglio printmaking is rooted in centuries-old techniques and infused with a quiet, human precision that makes each print unique. He is the master printer and director of l'atelier de Chalcographie at the GrandPalaisRmn, a historic workshop tied to the Louvre's vast collection of engraved copper plates. Bertrand trained at École Estienne and shaped his practice at Lacourière-Frélaut studio. "I am committed to preserving what I call a 'timeless bubble' of handcraft knowledge, as well as expanding the tradition through contemporary collaborations with other artists, such as Elizabeth Peyton," he says. Whether printing ancient copper plates or inviting artists to dialogue with the Louvre’s collection, Bertrand sees his practice as a inherent, manual and poetic art form.
Interview
- How did you discover your passion for engraving?
- While visiting fellow students’ ateliers at École Estienne, I stumbled upon a intalgio printmaking studio, which was a revelation to me. Then, I visited the Lacourière-Frélaut studio in Paris and instantly knew that it was where I wanted to work.
- What drew you to the Lacourière-Frélaut studio?
- It was the atmosphere, the silence, the intense focus and the presence of great works all around. Working there felt like being immersed in a secret, timeless world of true craftsmanship.
- What makes each of your atelier's prints unique?
- The ink, the plate and most importantly, the pressure of the hand make each impression a singular act that is never perfectly repeatable, even from the same plate.
- How do you connect contemporary artists with this ancient practice?
- Each year, one or two artists are invited to create a new engraving for the Louvre’s collection. Recently, Elizabeth Peyton came to the atelier to engrave a plate, and we presented her print during Art Basel. It is all about building a living bridge between the past and present.
Bertrand Dupré is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1997
Where
Bertrand Dupré
