Portret van Michel Eyquem de Montaigne 1761 - 1800

Noël Pruneau’s engraving, “Portret van Michel Eyquem de Montaigne,” depicts the French Renaissance philosopher and writer in a circular frame. The image is a striking example of 18th-century portraiture, with detailed rendering of Montaigne's features, attire, and the inscription below identifying the subject as "Michel de Montaigne." The engraving showcases the artist’s technical mastery, evident in the use of line and shading to achieve a sense of volume and depth. This work would have been valuable for its ability to disseminate knowledge about an important historical figure.