Nanteuil, Robert

Nanteuil, Robert (b Reims, 1623; d Paris, 9 Dec. 1678).
French engraver, draughtsman, and pastellist, almost exclusively of portraits. He is considered the greatest European portrait engraver of the 17th century, and in France stands as the counterpart of Philippe de Champaigne among painters. He often engraved the work of Champaigne and other painters, but also made original compositions, in which he showed both great technical mastery and penetrating characterization. Louis XIV appointed him royal draughtsman in 1658 and he made many pastel portraits as well as engravings of the king and royal family.