Artwork
Louis II de Bourbon
Louis II de Bourbon 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.
About this work
Overview
The print is a 1628 engraving of Louis II de Bourbon, rendered in a formal portrait format. Executed on laid paper, the image presents the French nobleman in Renaissance dress, complete with armor, a lace collar, and a draped cloak, framed by a leaf wreath and a heraldic shield bearing a crown and fleur‑de‑lis.
Subject & Meaning
Louis II de Bourbon is shown with a composed, serious expression, his curly hair and regal attire emphasizing his aristocratic status. The inclusion of a shield and crown symbols underscores his lineage and authority, while the surrounding wreath suggests honor and classical virtue, typical of portraiture intended to convey dignity and power.
Technique & Style
Created by Michel Lasne, a French engraver active in the early 17th century, the work employs fine line engraving on laid paper, a common method in European printmaking of the period. The crisp delineation of armor, lace, and heraldic details reflects the precision of the technique and the influence of Baroque sensibilities absorbed during Lasne’s time in Antwerp.
History & Provenance
Michel Lasne, born in Caen around 1590, trained under Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck before establishing his practice in Paris by 1621. This portrait, produced in 1628, exemplifies his mature output as a draughtsman and collector. The print’s survival on laid paper indicates it was likely intended for a limited, elite audience familiar with the subject’s prominence.
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…
