Artwork
Bernard, Duc d'Epernon
Bernard, Duc d'Epernon is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert Nanteuil. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1650 copperplate engraving, executed by the French court engraver Robert Nanteuil, portrays Bernard de Nogaret, duc d’Epernon.
This 1650 copperplate engraving, executed by the French court engraver Robert Nanteuil, portrays Bernard de Nogaret, duc d’Epernon. Rendered in the Baroque idiom, the print presents the nobleman in full armor and a flowing cloak, his head turned slightly to the right against a plain dark backdrop. The work exemplifies Nanteuil’s mature skill in translating three‑dimensional presence onto a two‑dimensional surface.
Subject & Meaning
Bernard de Nogaret, a prominent aristocrat and military figure of the early reign of Louis XIV, is shown in ceremonial dress that emphasizes his rank and martial role. The elaborate collar, chest emblem and polished armor convey authority and loyalty to the crown, while the subdued background focuses attention on his dignified expression and the status symbols he bears.
Technique & Style
Nanteuil employed fine line engraving to achieve a rich tonal range, from delicate hatching in the facial features to deep cross‑hatching that models the folds of the cloak and the sheen of metal. The meticulous rendering of texture and the dramatic chiaroscuro are hallmarks of the Baroque aesthetic, creating a sense of depth and immediacy within the print medium.
History & Provenance
Created in 1650, the portrait was likely commissioned for the duc d’Epernon’s personal collection or for display at the royal court, where Nanteuil served as the principal portrait engraver. The print has since passed through several private collections before entering the museum’s holdings, where it is documented as part of the broader corpus of Nanteuil’s court portraiture.
Context
During the mid‑seventeenth century, portrait engravings functioned as a means of disseminating the images of high‑ranking individuals across the kingdom. Nanteuil’s work reflects the growing demand for reproducible yet high‑quality likenesses, aligning with Louis XIV’s efforts to cultivate a visual culture of royal and noble prestige.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Nanteuil (French pronunciation: ; 1623 – 9 December 1678) was a French portrait artist: engraver, draughtsman and pastellist to the court of Louis XIV.
