Louis XIII of France
1624
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1624
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows Louis XIII of France in a stiff black robe with a high white collar. He faces left, his long nose and pointy beard sharp against the flat background. The artist uses cross-hatching—thin lines that shade the face and robe without color. This makes even a simple portrait feel detailed and real. Look up the technique called engraving next.
