Louis XIV
1660
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1660
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows Louis XIV as a young king in ornate robes, holding a scepter and crown. The artist used fine lines to build shadows and textures, making the fabric look real. You can almost feel the weight of the king’s outfit. The cross-hatching in this print is so precise it looks like a drawing. It’s not just a portrait—it’s a lesson in how light and detail work together. Want to see more like this? Try Schuppen, Peter Ludwig van.