print, engraving
portrait
baroque
engraving
Dimensions: 20 1/4 x 16 7/8 in. (51.44 x 42.86 cm) (plate)
Copyright: Public Domain
This is Robert Nanteuil's portrait of Louis XIV, an engraving on paper, residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The composition is dominated by the oval frame, within which Louis’s face and elaborate wig command our attention. Note how the texture achieved through fine, precise lines creates a remarkable visual density, almost tactile in its effect. This emphasis on detail and ornamentation speaks volumes about the period’s aesthetic values. Looking closely, the rigid structure of the armor contrasts with the softness of the lace collar and the voluminous hair. These elements aren't just decorative; they communicate power and status. The face itself, rendered with a degree of realism, suggests an attempt to capture the essence of the monarch. Consider how Nanteuil uses line and form to construct an image that is both a likeness and a symbol of royal authority. The portrait invites us to reflect on the relationship between representation, power, and the carefully constructed image of the king.
Comments
The premier portrait engraver of the 17th century, Robert Nanteuil established the format upon which French portrait prints for the next two centuries would be based, and he also elevated the status of engraving to a prestigious liberal art. His portraits were admired for the accuracy of their likeness and their striking vivacity, which he achieved with an extraordinarily refined technique. More important, he was skilled at capturing the character of his subjects. In this portrait of Louis XIV, one of the last of the eleven he engraved of the king, the monarch's powerful presence and unchallenged authority is palpable.
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