Portret van Louis Perreau du Magné - Ambroise Tardieu

A formal portrait engraving of Louis Perreau du Magné, a French deputy elected in 1818, executed by the skilled printmaker Ambroise Tardieu.

This engraving by Ambroise Tardieu depicts Louis Perreau du Magné, a French politician who served as a deputy for the Vendée department. The work is executed with the technical precision characteristic of early nineteenth-century French printmaking. Tardieu, a member of a prominent family of cartographers and engravers, utilised fine lines and stippling techniques to create subtle gradations of tone across the subject's face and clothing.

The portrait is presented within a clean oval frame, a common convention for formal likenesses of the period. The subject wears the high-collared coat and cravat typical of the post-Revolutionary era, reflecting the formal attire of a government official. Below the portrait, the inscription identifies the sitter and his political position, noting his election in 1818. This format aligns with the production of commemorative prints intended for documentation or inclusion in biographical collections.

Tardieu's approach to the medium is disciplined. The focus remains on the clarity of the sitter's features, with minimal background distraction. The engraving demonstrates a mastery of light and shadow, particularly in the rendering of the fabric textures and the soft modelling of the facial structure. As a historical document, the print provides a clear visual record of a figure active during the Bourbon Restoration. The composition is balanced, adhering to the aesthetic standards of the time, which prioritised order, restraint, and accurate representation. This print is a fine example of the professional portraiture produced by Tardieu during his active career in Paris, where he contributed to numerous scientific and historical publications.