Artwork
Mathieu Mole
Mathieu Mole is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert Nanteuil. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Known for his work at the court of Louis XIV, Nanteuil rendered the sitter as an elderly man with a long white beard, curly hair, and a high, dark collar.
The 1653 engraving titled *Mathieu Mole* is a black‑and‑white portrait executed by French artist Robert Nanteuil. Known for his work at the court of Louis XIV, Nanteuil rendered the sitter as an elderly man with a long white beard, curly hair, and a high, dark collar. The image is set against an unadorned background and is enclosed within a circular frame composed of tightly spaced parallel lines.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents Mathieu Mole, whose identity is suggested by a small crest at the lower edge that likely denotes familial or social status. The careful rendering of facial features and the dignified attire convey a sense of respectability and authority appropriate to a person of standing in mid‑17th‑century France.
Technique & Style
Nanteuil employed copper engraving, incising lines into metal to create varying tones and textures. His mastery of line work is evident in the precise modeling of the beard, hair, and collar, while the parallel lines within the circular border provide a subtle decorative element that frames the sitter without distracting from the likeness.
History & Provenance
Created during Nanteuil’s most productive period, the print reflects his reputation for producing detailed, expressive portraits of notable contemporaries. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work exemplifies the type of portraiture that circulated among the French elite and court circles in the 1650s.
Context
In the mid‑17th century, engraving served as a primary means of reproducing and disseminating images of prominent individuals. Nanteuil’s portrait aligns with this tradition, offering a durable, reproducible likeness that could be shared among patrons and institutions, reinforcing the sitter’s public presence.
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.
