Edouard Molé 1648 - 1658

This engraving, "Edouard Molé," created by Robert Nanteuil between 1648 and 1658, is a striking example of French portraiture. Nanteuil, a master of the technique, captures the likeness of Edouard Molé, a prominent figure in French legal and political circles, with remarkable precision. The engraving, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Molé in a formal pose, adorned with the clothing and insignia befitting his position as a high-ranking official. The intricate details and subtle shading employed by Nanteuil imbue the portrait with a sense of realism and dignity, highlighting the subject's importance and authority. The inscription surrounding the portrait further emphasizes Molé's esteemed status as a counselor to the king and First President of the Parliament.