Artwork
Cardinal de Retz
Cardinal de Retz 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
Cardinal de Retz is an engraving created by Robert Nanteuil in 1650, portraying a prominent 17th-century French figure in a detailed, black-and-white portrait.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Cardinal de Retz, was a notable figure in 17th-century France, though the engraving's context does not explicitly convey his role or achievements. The serious expression, high collar, fancy coat, and chain with a cross signify his ecclesiastical and possibly noble status.
Technique & Style
Nanteuil employed intricate tiny lines to achieve shading, imparting texture to the subject's fabric. This technique was characteristic of detailed printmaking in the era, emphasizing depth without color.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1650 by Robert Nanteuil, a versatile artist (engraver, draughtsman, pastellist) associated with the court of Louis XIV, the engraving's subsequent ownership history is not specified.
Context
Created within the artistic circle of Louis XIV's court, the work reflects the period's penchant for detailed, monochromatic portraiture in print form, catering to the demand for likenesses of influential figures.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this engraving are not detailed, it contributes to the broader legacy of Nanteuil's portraiture work and the enduring technique of detailed line engraving in European art history.
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.
