Bust of Cardinal de la Rochefoucault 1624

This portrait of Cardinal de la Rochefoucault was made in 1624 by Daniel Dumonstier, using colored chalk on paper. The artist’s hand is evident in the delicate strokes that model the Cardinal’s face, giving volume to the planes of his cheeks and brow. The chalk lends itself well to capturing the soft texture of skin, and the play of light and shadow. This material, with its capacity for both precision and blending, allowed Dumonstier to create a highly detailed yet lifelike image. The choice of chalk as a medium also speaks to a particular set of artistic values. Unlike painting in oils, which requires extensive preparation and layering, chalk drawings could be produced more quickly and directly. In this way, the portrait embodies a sense of immediacy and intimacy, bringing us closer to the sitter, and, perhaps, to the artist himself. Appreciating the materials and processes used in the artwork allows a deeper understanding of its social and cultural significance.