Artwork
Pierre de Ronsard
Pierre de Ronsard is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Michel Lasne. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1628 engraving on laid paper by Michel Lasne portrays Pierre de Ronsard, a prominent French Renaissance poet, in a profile view, characterized by meticulous detail and a serene ambiance.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Pierre de Ronsard, is depicted wearing a laurel wreath and a robe with a brooch, symbols of poetic honor and elegance, reflecting his esteemed literary status. His serious expression conveys intellectual depth.
Technique & Style
Lasne employed cross-hatching to achieve texture and depth in the engraving, exemplifying the refined technique of his later work. The overall composition exudes elegance and refinement, typical of the period's portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1628, this engraving falls within the later phase of Lasne's career, preceding his appointment as official engraver to King Louis XIII in 1633. Lasne's training under Rubens and van Dyck in Antwerp influenced his style.
Context
The work is situated within the French Renaissance, where literary figures like Ronsard were celebrated. The engraving's style also reflects Lasne's Antwerp training, blending Northern European techniques with French cultural themes.
Legacy
As one of Lasne's notable later works, the engraving contributes to the visual record of Renaissance literary personalities, while its technique showcases the evolution of engraving during this period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Michel Lasne (Caen, ca. 1590–4 December 1667, Paris), was a French engraver, draughtsman and collector. Lasne was born in Caen and was the son of a goldsmith. He was a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp for…
