Artwork
Simon Arnauld, Le Marquis de Pomponne
Simon Arnauld, Le Marquis de Pomponne is an ink print by the Baroque artist Robert Nanteuil. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Robert Nanteuil’s 1675 engraving portrays Simon Arnauld, Marquis de Pomponne, a notable figure in the court of Louis XIV. Executed in the French portrait tradition of the seventeenth century, the print presents the subject with a composed, dignified bearing, reflecting the conventions of official portraiture of the era.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Simon Arnauld, held the title of Marquis de Pomponne and served in diplomatic and administrative capacities under the Sun King. The portrait’s sober expression and formal attire underscore his status and the seriousness of his public role, offering a visual record of a high-ranking court official.
Technique & Style
Created with a copperplate engraving, the work demonstrates Nanteuil’s precise line work and subtle tonal modulation. Fine hatching renders the texture of the wig, coat, and facial features, while the controlled chiaroscuro imparts a three‑dimensional quality typical of Nanteuil’s meticulous draughtsmanship.
History & Provenance
Nanteuil, appointed official engraver to Louis XIV, produced this portrait as part of his series of courtly likenesses. The print was likely circulated among the royal administration and collectors of the period, contributing to the visual documentation of Louis XIV’s ministers.
Context
In seventeenth‑century France, portrait engravings served both as personal commemoration and as political propaganda, reinforcing the hierarchy of the monarchy. Nanteuil’s work aligns with this practice, presenting Pomponne in the attire and bearing expected of a senior statesman.
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.
