Artwork

Pierre Mignard

Pierre Mignard, by Étienne Ficquet, ink, 1760
Pierre Mignard, by Étienne Ficquet, ink, 1760

Pierre Mignard is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Étienne Ficquet. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in plate: Hiacinte Rigaud Pinx.; lower right in plate: Fiquet Sculp.; below oval frame in plate: PIERRE MIGNARD. / Ier. Peintre du Roi directeur et garde general des / Tableaux et des Desseins de sa Majeste & Né a Troyes / en Chapagne en 1610.mort le 13 may 1693 agé de 80 ans.; across bottom in plate: AParis chez Odieuore Md. d'Estampes rüe d'Anjoue entrant parla rüe d'Auphine la derniere porte Cochere au Ier.

About this work

Overview

This 1760 engraving, executed on laid paper, presents an oval portrait of the French painter Pierre Mignard. Étienne Ficquet, a noted French engraver, rendered the image in a compact format, emphasizing the sitter’s facial features against a dark, textured backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts Mignard with long, curled hair, dressed in a dark coat over a lighter shirt accented by a prominent bow tie. The focus on his expressive face and detailed hair suggests an intent to convey the artist’s stature and character within the artistic community of his time.

Technique & Style

Ficquet employed fine cross‑hatching to model light and shadow, creating a sense of volume and depth across the portrait’s surface. The delicate lines articulate the curls of the hair and the folds of the clothing, while the darkened background enhances the three‑dimensional effect.

History & Provenance

Created in 1760, the engraving was part of Ficquet’s series of portrait prints that celebrated prominent cultural figures. It was likely circulated among collectors and institutions interested in documenting the leading artists of the French Baroque period.

Context

During the mid‑18th century, portrait engravings served both as a means of disseminating the likenesses of notable individuals and as a testament to the engraver’s skill. Ficquet’s work aligns with this tradition, offering a reproducible image of Mignard for a broader audience.

Pierre Mignard
Pierre Mignard, Georg Friedrich Schmidt

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Pierre Mignard?

Pierre Mignard was painted by Étienne Ficquet in 1760.

Where can I see Pierre Mignard?

Pierre Mignard is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Pierre Mignard?

Pierre Mignard is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Pierre Mignard?

Museum-quality prints of Pierre Mignard are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.