Robert Nanteuil facts for kids
.JPG)
Robert Nanteuil (born 1623 – died 9 December 1678) was a famous French artist. He was known for his amazing portraits. He worked as an engraver, a draughtsman (someone who draws), and a pastellist (someone who draws with pastels). He created art for the king of France, Louis XIV.
Contents
Life of a Royal Artist
Robert Nanteuil was born in a city called Reims in 1623. His father, Lancelot Nanteuil, was a wool merchant. Robert studied philosophy in Reims. But even while studying, he was already learning to be an engraver. An engraver carves designs onto metal plates to make prints.
He learned engraving from his brother-in-law, Nicolas Regnesson. Robert married Nicolas's sister in 1646. In 1647, he moved to Paris, a big city for artists. His drawing style was influenced by a painter named Philippe de Champaigne. His engraving style was inspired by artists like Claude Mellan. Around 1650, he became friends with a master engraver named Abraham Bosse. Bosse greatly influenced Robert's work.
Becoming Famous
Robert Nanteuil's drawings and engraved portraits quickly became popular. By 1652, many people wanted him to create their portraits. By 1657, King Louis XIV started paying him a regular salary. The king also made him the official designer and engraver for the royal court.
Because of Robert's influence, the king made an important rule in 1660. This rule said that engraving was a free art, not just a simple craft. This meant engravers could have the same special rights as other artists.
Important Clients
Robert Nanteuil made portraits for many important people. His clients included King Louis XIV himself. He also drew Cardinal Richelieu, a powerful church leader. Even Queen Christina of Sweden had her portrait done by him. Many other important nobles and famous people wanted his work.
Some of his best portraits from this time include those of Pompone de Bellièvre and Gilles Ménage. He also created portraits of the Duc de La Meilleraye and the Duchesse de Nemours.
Robert Nanteuil passed away in Paris on 9 December 1678.
He also taught other artists. Two of his students were Pieter van Schuppen and Domenico Tempesti.
Robert Nanteuil's Artworks
Robert Nanteuil created about 300 engraved plates. Many of these portraits were almost life-sized. He drew 155 of his 221 portraits directly from the person he was drawing.
When he first started, he copied the styles of older artists. He used straight lines for shadows, like Claude Mellan. Sometimes, he used cross-hatching (lines crossing each other) or stippling (dots) like other engravers. But over time, he developed his own unique style.
He became very skilled at making faces look incredibly real and detailed. He used different techniques for clothing and other parts of his portraits. This made his artworks stand out.
See also
In Spanish: Robert Nanteuil para niños
