Robert Nanteuil : portraitiste rémois au siècle de Louis XIV

Abstract

A native of Reims, where he was born around 1623, Robert Nanteuil was one of the most sought after portraitists of the Grand Siècle, distinguished in the arts of etching, drawing and pastel. Born into a family remote from local artistic circles, Nanteuil attended secondary school in Reims, first with the Jesuits and then at the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Remi, where he studied Humanities.A latecomer to engraving, Nanteuil was introduced to the profession by his compatriot Nicolas Regnesson. Training in Reims, he probably benefitted from the advice of the aged local master, Edme Moreau, before fitting into the Parisian society of his time remarkably well. By late 1646 Robert Nanteuil was established in Paris, quickly creating links with the engravers, publishers and print dealers of the Rue Saint-Jacques, working mainly for the library. The portraitist from Champagne’s recognition and favour was no less at court, where he gained a good reputation, initially with Cardinal Mazarin and Chancellor Séguier, then with Louis XIV, who spared neither attention nor his satisfaction, issuing titles and privileges. Named draughtsman and engraver to the king in 1658, Nanteuil was a popular artist, in constant favour with the powerful, especially with the Colbert family, with whom he shared roots in Reims. Thus his production included delicate portraits of the major figures of Louis XIV’s reign, including depictions of several of Grand Siècle Champagne’s outstanding natives.

Keywords

• Robert Nanteuil
• Versailles
• Louis XIV
• Reims