Denis de La Barde

Robert Nanteuil

National Gallery of Art

This black and white engraving depicts a portrait of a man from the chest up. He is positioned slightly turned to his left and looking directly at the viewer. The man has distinct features, a high forehead, and a composed expression. His hair is shoulder-length and wavy, and he wears a skullcap. He is dressed in clerical robes, notably a dark, high-collared garment with intricate detailing. Around his neck hangs a large cross on a chain. The portrait is framed by an ornate leaf-patterned border and is placed on a pedestal-like structure displaying a decorative shield with a design. The background is filled with stippled shading that accentuates the contrast and contours of the engraving.