Artwork

Louis Cesar de La Baume-le-Blanc

Louis Cesar de La Baume-le-Blanc, by Charles-Nicolas Cochin II, ink, 1752
Louis Cesar de La Baume-le-Blanc, by Charles-Nicolas Cochin II, ink, 1752

Louis Cesar de La Baume-le-Blanc is an ink print by the Baroque artist Charles-Nicolas Cochin II. It dates from 1752 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1752 etching by Charles-Nicolas Cochin II portrays Louis Cesar de La Baume-le-Blanc in a formal, black-and-white portrait. The subject is framed within a simple oval border, accompanied by a text banner detailing his birth and death dates.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts Louis Cesar de La Baume-le-Blanc, a figure distinguished by a lace collar and a star decoration on his chest, indicating his social or noble status. His serious expression and formal attire suggest a representation of dignity and honor.

Technique & Style

Cochin II employed fine, detailed linework to capture the subject's wrinkles and the texture of his clothing, characteristic of the etching technique. This method, involving ink pressed into a metal plate, allowed for the sharp, precise rendering evident in the portrait.

History & Provenance

Created in 1752, the etching's provenance and historical context beyond its creation date are not specified in available information.

Context

The work reflects 18th-century portrait etching conventions, emphasizing detail and formality, common in depictions of nobility or esteemed individuals during this period.

Legacy

The etching's impact or influence on subsequent artistic works is not detailed in the provided information, focusing instead on its descriptive and technical aspects.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.