Artwork
Louis-Francois de La Baume de Suze
Louis-Francois de La Baume de Suze 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. This 1650 copperplate engraving presents Louis‑François de La Baume de Suze, a French nobleman, in a formal seated pose.
About this work
Overview
This 1650 copperplate engraving presents Louis‑François de La Baume de Suze, a French nobleman, in a formal seated pose. Executed by Robert Nanteuil, a leading portrait engraver of the early reign of Louis XIV, the image is rendered in black and white with fine lines that convey texture and depth.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown with curly hair, a moustache, and a dark‑collared garment, complemented by a decorative chain that may signify an order or medal. A small heraldic shield bearing his coat of arms rests beneath him, surrounded by stylised foliage, underscoring his aristocratic status and lineage.
Technique & Style
Nanteuil employed the etching method, incising delicate details into a metal plate before printing. The work displays his characteristic precision: crisp line work, subtle cross‑hatching for shading, and a controlled use of light that gives the portrait a restrained yet lifelike presence.
History & Provenance
Created during the early years of Louis XIV’s rule, the print reflects Nanteuil’s role as a court engraver tasked with producing official likenesses of notable figures. The engraving would have been circulated among the nobility and court circles as a means of documenting and disseminating the image of La Baume de Suze.
Context
In mid‑17th‑century France, portrait engravings served both as records of elite individuals and as tools of political representation. Nanteuil’s work aligns with the period’s emphasis on order, hierarchy, and the visual reinforcement of royal and noble authority.
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.
