Pierre Louis Moreau de Maupertuis
1741
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1741
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white engraving shows a man sitting on a ledge with a globe at his feet. He’s dressed in fancy, flowing robes and a curly wig, pointing toward something with his right hand. Behind him, a dark curtain frames the scene, and a small figure lies on the ground below. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, making the man’s face and clothes look almost three-dimensional. This style was common in Baroque art, where details and drama were key. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Daullé made these intricate prints.