Jean-Baptiste Colbert

About this work

This is a black-and-white engraving of a man in a curly wig. His coat has big buttons and his face looks serious. The artist used fine lines to show every wrinkle and fold of fabric. Engravings like this were how people spread portraits before cameras. Robert Nanteuil made many of these for French officials. The cross-hatching creates smooth shadows without any smudges. Try looking up Nanteuil, Robert next.