Antique 1700's Engraving: Archbishop Louis De La Vergne-Montenard De Tressan

Details

Description

This is a rare and impressive large-scale portrait engraving of Louis de La Vergne-Montenard de Tressan, a distinguished French Catholic … Read more This is a rare and impressive large-scale portrait engraving of Louis de La Vergne-Montenard de Tressan, a distinguished French Catholic archbishop and theologian. This piece represents a high-water mark of 18th-century French portraiture, showcasing a collaboration between two masters of the era.

Historical Significance & Artists:
The Subject: Louis de La Vergne-Montenard de Tressan, depicted here in his ecclesiastical finery with a prominent pectoral cross.
The Painter: Inscribed "Peint par Desmares", identifying the original artist as Guillaume Desmarées, a celebrated court portraitist known for his refined technique.
The Engraver: Inscribed "Gravé par le Chevalier Edelinck". Gérard Edelinck was arguably the most famous engraver of his time. His skill was so extraordinary that Louis XIV granted him a title of nobility and French citizenship.
The Royal Seal: Marked "C.P.R." (Cum Privilegio Regis), indicating this work was produced under the King’s Privilege—the 17th/18th-century equivalent of a royal copyright.

Physical Description & Condition
Dimensions: Artwork measures approximately 16 1/2" x 13", plus additional card margins.
Medium: Copperplate engraving on paper, currently glued to a backing card.
Condition Details: * Tear: There is a visible tear at the bottom center of the artwork, extending into the decorative plinth (see photos).
Margins: The outer card margins contain nail holes, likely from a previous mounting or framing. See less