Francois de Villemontee, conseiller d'etat ordinaire 1605 - 1650

Jean Morin created this portrait of François de Villemontée using engraving, a printmaking technique. The image is made by carefully cutting lines into a metal plate, which holds ink and transfers the design onto paper. The precision of the engraved lines allows for an incredible amount of detail, capturing not just Villemontée’s likeness, but also the texture of his clothing and the subtle gradations of light on his face. Look at the octagonal frame surrounding the portrait, complete with precisely lettered text. This level of craftsmanship speaks to the engraver’s skill, but also to the value placed on representation and the communication of status in 17th century France. Engraving was a labor-intensive process, demanding both artistic skill and technical knowledge. The resulting prints, like this one, would have been relatively exclusive objects, circulating among a privileged class and reinforcing social hierarchies through their very existence. It reminds us that art is always entangled with the social and economic realities of its time.