Artwork
Cardinal Jules Mazarin
Cardinal Jules Mazarin is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert Nanteuil. It dates from 1659 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Cardinal Jules Mazarin is an engraving created by French artist Robert Nanteuil in 1659, portraying the esteemed French statesman and cardinal. The work exemplifies Nanteuil's role as a court artist under Louis XIV, characterized by meticulous technique and adherence to formal portrait conventions of mid-17th-century France.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts Cardinal Jules Mazarin with solemnity, capturing his likeness in a formal, high-collar attire and serious demeanor, looking straight ahead. The composition conveys the subject's importance and Nanteuil's ability to render dignified portraits.
Technique & Style
Nanteuil employed precise linework and cross-hatching to achieve depth and shading, hallmark techniques of his refined court artist style. The rounded frame, adorned with a star-pattern border (created through intricate cross-hatching), further emphasizes the subject's prominence.
History & Provenance
Created in 1659 for the court of Louis XIV, the engraving is a product of Nanteuil's tenure as a royal portrait artist. Specific provenance details beyond its creation context are not provided.
Context
This work reflects the artistic and social norms of mid-17th-century France, where formal portraiture was a staple of royal and noble representation. Nanteuil's technique also highlights the technical sophistication of engraving during this period.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this engraving are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of Nanteuil's oeuvre and the evolution of French portrait engraving under the patronage of Louis XIV.
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.
