Nanteuil, Robert

Nanteuil, Robert rōbĕrˈ näNtöˈyə [key], 1623?–1678, French draftsman and engraver. His pastel portraits gained him popularity, and in 1658 Louis XIV made him draftsman to the royal cabinet. His 221 extant portrait engravings excel in the vivacity and precision of their characterization. Nanteuil was especially successful in creating a three-dimensional effect in his works. He made portraits of almost all the important personages at the court. Among the finest are the portraits of Jean Loret, Gilles Ménage, and the Marquis de Maisons. He made 11 portraits of Louis XIV and 14 of Mazarin.

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