A fine seventeenth-century portrait engraving by Robert Nanteuil, depicting Henri-Auguste de Lomenie, Comte de Brienne, framed by an oak leaf wreath.

This engraving by Robert Nanteuil depicts Henri-Auguste de Lomenie, Comte de Brienne, a prominent figure in the French court during the seventeenth century. Nanteuil, a master of the burin, achieved a level of technical precision that defined the portrait print genre of his era. The subject is presented within a circular frame, surrounded by a meticulously rendered oak leaf wreath. This framing device, common in the period, adds a sense of formality and classical dignity to the composition.

Nanteuil was known for his ability to capture the psychological presence of his sitters. In this work, the fine lines of the engraving create subtle gradations of tone, particularly in the modelling of the face and the texture of the clothing. The artist employed a sophisticated system of cross-hatching to suggest the weight of the fabric and the soft quality of the light. The inclusion of the star of the Order of the Holy Spirit on the subject's chest indicates his high social standing and political influence under the reign of Louis XIV.

As a printmaker, Nanteuil worked directly from life, a practice noted by the inscription 'ad vivum faciebat' at the base of the plate. This approach allowed him to observe the specific features of his subjects with great accuracy. The composition is balanced and restrained, reflecting the aesthetic values of the French Baroque. The surrounding wreath, with its flowing ribbons, provides a decorative contrast to the sober, direct gaze of the Comte de Brienne. This print is an example of the high standard of portraiture produced in Paris during the mid-seventeenth century, demonstrating the technical capabilities of the copperplate engraving process.