Artwork
Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu
Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Michel Lasne. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This 1628 engraving presents Armand Jean du Plessis, better known as Cardinal Richelieu, in a formal portrait.
About this work
Overview
This 1628 engraving presents Armand Jean du Plessis, better known as Cardinal Richelieu, in a formal portrait. Executed on laid paper, the image shows the cardinal in a three‑quarter view, his head slightly turned toward the viewer, wearing a dark clerical robe, white collar, and a prominent cross.
Technique & Style
The print was created by Michel Lasne, a French engraver active in the early seventeenth century. Trained in Antwerp under Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, Lasne applied a fine, linear approach, using intricate hatching and cross‑hatching to render texture, depth, and the subtle expression on the subject’s face.
Subject & Meaning
Richelieu, a leading clergyman and statesman of France, is depicted with a serious yet slightly smiling expression, emphasizing his authority and composure. The formal attire and ecclesiastical symbols underscore his dual role as a religious leader and political power broker.
Context
By the time of this engraving, Richelieu had already risen to prominence as chief minister to King Louis XIII, shaping French policy and centralizing royal authority. The portrait reflects the period’s emphasis on dignified representation of high officials, serving both as a record of his appearance and a visual assertion of his status.
History & Provenance
Michel Lasne later became the official engraver for Louis XIII in 1633, indicating the artist’s close ties to the royal court. This connection suggests the portrait may have been produced for official or diplomatic circulation, reinforcing Richelieu’s public image across France and abroad.
Artist & collection
Artist
Michel Lasne (Caen, ca. 1590–4 December 1667, Paris), was a French engraver, draughtsman and collector. Lasne was born in Caen and was the son of a goldsmith. He was a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp for…
