Artwork
Michel de Marolles
Michel de Marolles is an ink print by the Baroque artist Claude Mellan. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man with curly hair and a mustache. He’s wearing a high collar and a ruffled shirt. The background is plain, and the face is drawn with sharp lines.
The name below reads "Michel de Marolles," and the year 1648 is marked. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture.
Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
Overview
This print is a portrait engraving on laid paper, created by Claude Mellan in 1648.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Michel de Marolles, a man with distinctive curly hair and a mustache, dressed in attire characteristic of the period, including a high collar and ruffled shirt.
Technique & Style
Mellan employed the engraving technique to achieve a detailed, black-and-white image with sharp lines, using fine hatching to convey shading and texture, against a plain background.
Artist & collection
