Portrait of François Viète 1861

"Portrait of François Viète" is an etching created by Charles Meryon in 1861. The etching portrays the French mathematician and lawyer Francois Viète, known as the "father of algebra", in an official portrait pose holding a scroll in his hand. Meryon's etching style is known for its detailed lines, sharp contrasts, and dramatic effects, highlighting the sitter's importance and the solemnity of the subject. This particular etching is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a valuable historical piece for those interested in mathematics and the Renaissance era.