Artwork
Francois Servien
Francois Servien is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert Nanteuil. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print is an engraving of François Servien, created by Robert Nanteuil in 1656. It is a black-and-white portrait that showcases Nanteuil's skill as a French portrait artist.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, François Servien, was a prominent figure in 17th-century intellectual and political circles. The coat of arms below his chin, featuring two crossed swords and a crown, indicates his status and affiliations.
Technique & Style
Nanteuil employed cross-hatching, a technique involving layered tiny strokes, to achieve texture and depth in the portrait, particularly in the lace collar and Servien's hair.
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.
