Portrait of a Cardinal 1720 - 1760

This etching by Grégoire Huret, a French artist, depicts a portrait of a cardinal. It was created between 1720 and 1760, and is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The artwork showcases the cardinal's identity through a close-up portrait framed within an oval, featuring a coat of arms at the bottom. The subject's stern expression and elaborate attire emphasize their position of power and authority, consistent with the conventions of portraiture in the 18th century. The etching's fine detail and intricate lines contribute to its overall realism. This artwork provides a glimpse into the life and status of a prominent church leader during this period.