Robert Nanteuil (c. 1623-1678)
Portrait of Louis XIV (1638-1715)
1666, engraving on paper, third state of seven
15 3/8 x 12 1/16 in. (39.1 x 30.6 cm) (image size)
Gift of Mrs. Frederick Paul Keppel (C00.0802.116)

This portrait of the young Louis XIV was engraved after a pastel drawn from life (now lost), as the inscription "ad vivum" at the bottom left of the print indicates. The monarch is shown faintly smiling, yet maintains a dignified air as his gaze, framed by elegant curls, slightly dominates that of the viewer. His well-fitted cuirass, adorned with a lace collar and satin sash, alludes to his military prowess. Nanteuil’s ability to breathe life into the portrait, combined with a subtle balance between faithful resemblance and agreeable appearance, placed the artist in the privileged position of engraver to the image-conscious Sun-King.