Robert Nanteuil (c. 1623-1678)
After Jean Morin (c. 1605-1650)
and Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674)
Portrait of Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis,
Duke of Richelieu (1585-1642)
1657, engraving on paper, first state of four
13 9/16 x 10 9/16 in. (34.4 x 26.8 cm) (image size)
Gift of Mrs. Frederick Paul Keppel (C00.0802.163)

Richelieu’s portrait was engraved by Nanteuil after a print made by Morin (New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art), itself made after a portrait painted by Champaigne, as the inscription "Champaigne Pinxit" indicates. As for the inscription "Nanteuil Sculpebat," it confirms that our artist engraved this print. The intransigent expression of Louis XIII’s trusted advisor echoes Champaigne’s severe style. However, the print’s relative flatness may be the result of working twice removed from the life model. The foliage, which animates the composition, is Nanteuil’s invention. This embellishment was a way for the engraver to make the print his own.