Portrait of Jacques Nicolas Colbert, Archbishop of Rouen

Portrait of Jacques Nicolas Colbert, Archbishop of Rouen

The "Portrait of Jacques Nicolas Colbert, Archbishop of Rouen" is an engraving by Pierre Drevet, created after 1699. This work is executed on ivory laid paper, a common medium for engravings of the period, which allowed for fine detail and subtle gradations of tone. Pierre Drevet (1663–1738) was a prominent French engraver known for his skill in portraiture, contributing significantly to the dissemination of images of notable figures in 17th and 18th-century France. The subject, Jacques Nicolas Colbert, was an influential ecclesiastical figure, and his depiction by Drevet underscores the importance of religious and political leaders in the visual culture of the time. Drevet's engravings are noted for their precision and clarity, qualities that helped establish his reputation and influence in the field of printmaking. This particular work exemplifies the intersection of art and history, capturing both the likeness and the status of its subject.

"Portrait of Jacques Nicolas Colbert, Archbishop of Rouen" by Pierre Drevet is an engraving on ivory laid paper, created after 1699, depicting the esteemed French clergyman with intricate detail and precision characteristic of the Baroque period. The artwork exemplifies Drevet's mastery in capturing the dignified presence of his subject through the medium of engraving, a popular technique for reproducing portraits during this era.