Portret van Charles-Félix de Choiseul-Praslin - Ambroise Tardieu

A formal portrait engraving of Charles-Félix de Choiseul-Praslin by the French artist Ambroise Tardieu, capturing the style of early nineteenth-century French aristocracy.

This engraving by Ambroise Tardieu depicts Charles-Félix de Choiseul-Praslin, a figure of the French aristocracy during the early nineteenth century. Tardieu, a cartographer and engraver, demonstrates a precise technical approach to portraiture, utilising fine lines to define the facial features and the texture of the subject's attire. The composition is contained within a clean oval frame, a common convention for formal portrait prints of the period, which directs the viewer's attention to the subject's expression and formal dress.

The subject is presented in a style consistent with the formal portraiture of the Bourbon Restoration. He wears a high-collared coat and a cravat, reflecting the fashion of the French elite. The inclusion of the title, M. Le Duc de Praslin, Pair de France, identifies his status within the political hierarchy of the time. The print exhibits the characteristic clarity of early nineteenth-century French engraving, where the focus remains on the accurate representation of the sitter's likeness rather than atmospheric effects.

Ambroise Tardieu was known for his contributions to scientific and historical publications, and this work reflects the disciplined hand required for such detailed illustrative projects. The print is executed with a restrained palette, relying on the contrast between the ink and the paper to create depth. It provides a clear visual record of a specific historical individual, captured with the formal decorum expected of a peer of France. The work is an example of the commercial portraiture that circulated among the upper classes, documenting the appearance of public figures for private collections and historical archives.