Jean-Baptiste Colbert 1662

This 1662 engraving by Robert Nanteuil, a prominent French artist, depicts Jean-Baptiste Colbert, a key figure in the French government under King Louis XIV. Colbert was a minister of finance and a driving force behind the economic and cultural development of France during the 17th century. The detailed engraving, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, showcases Nanteuil's mastery of line and shading, capturing Colbert's likeness with remarkable accuracy. The ornate oval frame, adorned with intricate details, enhances the sense of formality and prestige surrounding this important figure.