Mathieu Mole

Claude Mellan

National Gallery of Art

This is an oval portrait of an older man showing a bust view. The man is positioned facing slightly to the right with a calm expression. His facial features include a prominent nose, bushy eyebrows, and a long white beard. He has curly graying hair and wears a small cap. He is dressed in a robe or coat with a fur-trimmed collar and a striped pattern. The background inside the oval has fine lines creating a textured halo effect, while the outer background and the entire image are detailed with fine etching lines. Below the oval is a decorative crest or coat of arms.