Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet 1674

This engraving by Robert Nanteuil from 1674 depicts Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, a prominent French bishop and theologian. The portrait, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Bossuet in a formal pose, his clerical attire and cross pendant highlighting his religious role. Nanteuil, known for his mastery of line and detail in portraiture, captures Bossuet's likeness with precision, conveying a sense of intelligence and authority. The inscription around the oval frame identifies Bossuet as the "Preceptor of the Dauphin," a title reflecting his position as tutor to the future King Louis XIV. This engraving, a testament to Nanteuil's artistic skill, offers a glimpse into the life of a significant figure in 17th-century French history and religious thought.