‘”FRANCISCVS MOTHAEVS VAYERIVS REGI A CONSILIIS FRATRIQVE EIVS VNICO A STVDIIS. 1661.” LOWER MARGIN: “NANTEUIL AD VIVUM DELIN. ET SCULPSIT.”‘

– Oval portrait of the French philosopher François de La Mothe Le Vayer depicted half-length and turned slightly to the viewer’s left. He wears a dark robe with a broad white collar typical of seventeenth-century learned and clerical dress. The portrait is enclosed within a refined oval frame resting on a pedestal bearing the Latin inscription identifying the sitter. François de La Mothe Le Vayer (1588–1672) was a French philosopher, classical scholar, and skeptic who served as tutor to the young Louis XIV and was a member of the Académie Française.

In stock

Description

Medium: Engraving on hand laid (verge) paper.

Sheet size: 26 x 33 cm (10.24 x 12.99 inch). Image size: 22 x 29 cm. (8.66 x 11.42 inch).

Condition: good, given age. Light foxing, soiling and creases. Trimmed, as common. Remains of paper tape on rear from previous attachment. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE LE VAYER PORTRAIT, ROBERT NANTEUIL ENGRAVING, FRENCH PHILOSOPHER PORTRAIT, 17TH CENTURY FRENCH ENGRAVING, ACADÉMIE FRANÇAISE PORTRAIT | PCO-EXPO-PORTRAITS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Source: unknown, to be determined.

Reference: Petitjean/Wickert 124.

Biography engraver: Robert Nanteuil (1623-1678) was a celebrated French portrait engraver and draughtsman, active in Paris. He was known for his finely detailed and lifelike engravings, particularly of French nobility and clergy. Appointed official portrait engraver to Louis XIV in 1657.