Pierre Mignard
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 15.2 x 10.4 cm (6 x 4 1/8 in.) sheet: 24.7 x 15.8 cm (9 3/4 x 6 1/4 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of John O'Brien
Accession Number
1994.3.3
Art Historical Context
This engraving by Étienne Ficquet captures a portrait of the renowned 17th-century French painter Pierre Mignard, originally created by Hyacinthe Rigaud. Produced between 1755 and 1765, the work exemplifies the reproductive print tradition that flourished in 18th-century France, allowing wider audiences to appreciate celebrated images of notable artists and figures from earlier generations. Ficquet’s meticulous engraving on laid paper demonstrates the precision and tonal subtlety achievable through this intaglio technique. Fine lines and cross-hatching render the textures of fabric, hair, and...