Artwork
Louis Sieur de Maine
Louis Sieur de Maine 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
This 1628 engraving by Michel Lasne portrays Louis Sieur de Maine in a formal, three-quarter profile. The subject is depicted with curly hair, a mustache, and ornate attire, including a ruff collar and dark coat, conveying an air of importance.
Subject & Meaning
Louis Sieur de Maine is shown with dignified composure, his slight smile and tucked hands suggesting confidence and refinement. Listed titles such as 'Governor of Sainte-Foy' beneath the image highlight his noble or official status.
Technique & Style
Executed in black-and-white, the engraving showcases Lasne's skill in using lines to achieve depth and texture, characteristic of the Flemish workshop tradition he was trained in. A simple oval frame encloses the figure against a plain background.
History & Provenance
Created during Lasne's established period in Paris (by 1621), this work reflects his experience under Rubens and van Dyck in Antwerp, as well as his subsequent royal patronage under Louis XIII.
Context
The piece is emblematic of early 17th-century European printmaking, blending Lasne's Flemish training with the demands of French royal patronage, catering to the portrait needs of the nobility.
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…
