Portrait of Louis Hesselin, engraving by Robert Nanteuil,
A draftsman and engraver, Robert Nanteuil was one of the most highly regarded portrait artists during the reign of Louis XIV. He produced portraits of the most influential figures of his time, including Louis XIV, Mazarin, Richelieu, and the Grand Condé.
Born in Reims around 1623, he trained in engraving with Nicolas Regnesson, whose sister he married, and moved to Paris, where he met Philippe de Champaigne and Abraham Bosse. The influence of Claude Mellan's work is evident, and he was appointed the King's official draftsman and engraver in 1658. He tirelessly depicted all the major figures at court, and his portraits were in high demand. He always succeeded in capturing the psychological essence of his subjects with breathtaking realism.
The portrait we are presenting here is that of Louis Hesselin, State Councilor and Master of the King's Chamber of Accounts. Distinguished by his strong loyalty to the King, even during the Fronde, he was also a great promoter of ballet, which he helped to turn into an instrument of political prestige. A great patron of the arts, he was close to many prominent artists, such as Charles Le Brun and Jacques Sarrazin, who participated in the decoration of his Château de Chantemerle.
This striking portrait fully expresses Louis Hesselin's lively spirit and depth of character. Robert Nanteuil masterfully employs the entire range of engraving techniques: volutes for the hair, tiny incisions to convey the delicacy of the lace, and the sublime absence of lines in the eye, creating an intense gaze.
The MET in New York has a similar print (no.: 2001.647.25).
Frame dimensions: 12x9.5 inches.
Sheet dimensions: 8.2x11.2 inches
