Portrait of Simon-Nicolas-Henri Linguet 1773

This 1773 engraving by Augustin de Saint-Aubin depicts Simon-Nicolas-Henri Linguet in profile. The French writer and lawyer is shown in a circular frame adorned with laurel branches, symbolizing his intellectual achievements. Linguet's serious expression and the books surrounding him reinforce his reputation as a prominent figure in the intellectual circles of 18th-century France. This print is an excellent example of portraiture in the Neoclassical style, characterized by its emphasis on clarity, simplicity, and rationalism. The work is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.