Pierre Seguier

Art Historical Context

This striking 1635 engraving by Michel Lasne portrays Pierre Séguier, a prominent French statesman who served as Chancellor of France during the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Created at the height of the Baroque era, the print captures the formal dignity expected of such a powerful figure, reflecting the era’s emphasis on authority and refined elegance. Lasne, a skilled French engraver known for his detailed reproductive prints, brought a precise and measured touch to the work, typical of 17th-century portraiture intended to convey status and character. As an engraving on laid paper, the piece exemplifies a medium prized for its ability to produce multiple impressions, allowing images of notable individuals to circulate widely among collectors and institutions. The technique’s fine lines and subtle tonal variations highlight Lasne’s mastery, transforming a simple sheet into a lasting record of political power. Measuring just over 11 by 8 inches, the trimmed print remains an intimate yet authoritative object, gifted to the National Gallery of Art by John O’Brien and now preserved for public appreciation. Visitors can appreciate how such prints bridged the worlds of art and history, offering a window into the cultural values of seventeenth-century France.

About the Artist

Michel Lasne · 1590–1667

Michel Lasne (ca. 1590–1667) was a French engraver, draughtsman, and collector who became one of the most prolific printmakers of the French Baroque period. Born in Caen around 1590, Lasne was the son of a goldsmith, which provided him with early exposure to metalworking techniques essential for engraving. His career spanned the reigns of Louis XIII and the early years of Louis XIV, during which h...