Portret van Jean François Niceron 1646 - 1667

Michel Lasne's "Portret van Jean François Niceron" is a 17th-century etching depicting the French Minim friar Jean François Niceron. Created between 1646 and 1667, the artwork showcases Niceron holding a compass and a drawing of a geometrical figure, highlighting his mathematical expertise. The image of a church in the background might represent the location of his work. This portrait, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent scholar during the Scientific Revolution. The detailed rendering of Niceron's face and attire, combined with the inscription at the bottom, conveys a sense of reverence for the subject, while the geometric drawing emphasizes Niceron's intellectual pursuits.