Artwork
Hardouin de Péréfixe de Beaumont
Hardouin de Péréfixe de Beaumont is a print by the Baroque artist Robert Nanteuil. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1665 print by Robert Nanteuil is a portrait of Hardouin de Péréfixe de Beaumont, a figure associated with the French court. The work is a characteristic example of Nanteuil's skill as a portrait artist and engraver.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a man wearing a ruffled collar and a star on his chest, suggesting a high status or honor. The subject's identity is tied to the French court, indicating a connection to the royal or aristocratic circles of 17th-century France.
Technique & Style
Nanteuil's use of shading creates a three-dimensional effect on the subject's face. The engraving features a plain background and an ornate border with star shapes and swirling lines, characteristic of the French Baroque style. The contrast between light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, adds depth to the portrait.
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.
