Portrait of Philippe Claude André de Thubières, Comte de Caylus n.d.

This mezzotint by Jean Baptiste André Gautier d'Agoty, a prominent artist of the 18th century, depicts Philippe Claude André de Thubières, Comte de Caylus, in profile. The work showcases the subject's noble status through his elaborate wig and luxurious red velvet jacket. D'Agoty's skilled use of light and shadow brings a sense of realism to the portrait, emphasizing the subject's features and the texture of his clothing. The mezzotint, a technique involving engraving a metal plate, is renowned for its ability to reproduce subtle tonal variations. This print, now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the technical expertise of this influential 18th-century French artist.