Artwork
Cardinal de Retz
Cardinal de Retz is a print by the Baroque artist Robert Nanteuil. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Cardinal de Retz is a print portrait created by Robert Nanteuil in 1650. It is a black-and-white engraving that showcases Nanteuil's skill as a portrait artist.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a seated man, identified as Cardinal de Retz, wearing ornate robes and a cross, conveying his high ecclesiastical status. His serious expression adds to the dignified representation.
Technique & Style
Nanteuil employed shading techniques to create a three-dimensional effect on the subject's face, characteristic of his precise and detailed engraving style. The use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, enhances the portrait's realism.
History & Provenance
The print is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. As an official artist to Louis XIV's court, Nanteuil's work, including Cardinal de Retz, reflects his association with the French monarchy.
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.
