Artwork
Louis II de Bourbon-Condé
Louis II de Bourbon-Condé is an ink print by the Baroque artist Balthasar Moncornet. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Balthasar Moncornet, a French artist active in the early 17th century, produced an engraved portrait of Louis II de Bourbon‑Condé in 1634. Executed on laid paper, the print presents the young nobleman in a formal pose, emphasizing his status through attire and compositional details.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Louis II de Bourbon‑Condé, a prominent member of the French aristocracy, depicted with a serious expression, curly hair, and a lace collar. The inclusion of a distant scene with riders and a castle suggests his martial lineage and the broader context of his noble responsibilities.
Technique & Style
Moncornet employed precise line work, using cross‑hatching to model the facial features, fabric folds, and shadows on the dark jacket. The fine, intersecting strokes create depth and texture, characteristic of early modern French engraving.
History & Provenance
Created in 1634, the portrait is one of approximately 45 known portrait engravings by Moncornet, who was also recognized for his work as a painter and tapestry designer. The print reflects the period’s demand for visual documentation of high‑ranking individuals.
Artist & collection
Artist
Balthasar Moncornet (1600, Rouen – 1668, Paris) was a French painter, engraver, and tapissier revered for his depictions of around 45 different prominent figures of the 17th century.
