Kardinal André Hercule de Fleury 1667 - 1741

This mezzotint portrait of Kardinal André Hercule de Fleury was created by Jakob Christof Le Blon in 1741. Le Blon was a pioneer of color printing and his technique, known as “Le Blon’s process,” involved using four plates to print the colors yellow, red, blue, and black. This method allowed for a more realistic and nuanced depiction of the subject, as seen in the subtle shading and details of the Cardinal’s clothing and features. The portrait, now housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, is a testament to Le Blon's skill and innovation in the field of printmaking.