Artwork

Armand de Bourbon, Prince de Condi

Armand de Bourbon, Prince de Condi, by Claude Mellan, ink, 1643
Armand de Bourbon, Prince de Condi, by Claude Mellan, ink, 1643

Armand de Bourbon, Prince de Condi is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Claude Mellan. It dates from 1643 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Armand de Bourbon, Prince de Condi is a 1643 engraving on laid paper by Claude Mellan, depicting a portrait of the prince in black and white.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Armand de Bourbon, is portrayed as a young man with curly hair and a serious expression, dressed in a dark, ruffled collar and a simple coat, conveying a sense of solemnity and nobility.

Technique & Style

Mellan employed fine lines to achieve detailed shading and texture, particularly evident in the rendering of the prince's hair and clothing, within a plain oval frame.

History & Provenance

Created in 1643, the engraving features a crest at the bottom with the prince's initials and three fleur-de-lis symbols, signifying his lineage.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Claude Mellan

Artist

Claude Mellan

Claude Mellan (1598–1688) was a French artist, born in Abbeville.

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