Who painted Raymond Lulle?

Raymond Lulle was painted by Balthasar Moncornet in 1634.

Where can I see Raymond Lulle?

Raymond Lulle is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Raymond Lulle?

Raymond Lulle is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Raymond Lulle

Balthasar Moncornet , 1634

Raymond Lulle 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’s 1634 engraving presents the 17th‑century intellectual Raymond Lull, rendered as a black‑and‑white portrait on laid paper. The oval image is framed by ornamental motifs resembling a crown and foliage, and includes a modest background scene of figures gathered near a fountain or monument. The composition emphasizes Lull’s aged features, white beard, and solemn expression.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait identifies its sitter as Raymundus Lullus, Philosopher, in a Latin inscription beneath his face, underscoring his reputation as a learned figure.

The portrait identifies its sitter as Raymundus Lullus, Philosopher, in a Latin inscription beneath his face, underscoring his reputation as a learned figure. By depicting him with a wide‑brimmed hat and high‑collared shirt, Moncornet conveys the scholarly attire of the period, while the contemplative gaze and detailed facial lines suggest intellectual gravity and the weight of his philosophical legacy.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine line engraving, the work utilizes the contrast of dark and light inherent to the medium to model the subject’s features and the surrounding decorative frame. Laid paper provides a subtle texture that interacts with the incised lines, while the intricate border and background vignette demonstrate Moncornet’s skill in combining portraiture with ornamental design typical of early‑modern French prints.

History & Provenance

Balthasar Moncornet, a French painter and engraver active in Rouen and Paris, produced roughly forty‑five portrait prints of notable contemporaries, of which this image of Raymond Lull is a representative example. Created in 1634, the print reflects the period’s interest in documenting eminent scholars, and it has circulated among collections of early modern prints since its original issuance.

Artist & collection

Artist

Balthasar Moncornet

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.