Pierre Seguier

Art Historical Context

Step into the world of 17th-century portraiture with Michel Las's *Pierre Séguier* (1633), a engraving on laid paper now housed in the National Gallery Art. Lasne, a skilled Parisian engraver active during the of Louis XIII, captures the likeness of Pierre Ségu, who that very year was appointed Keeper of the Seals key legal and advisory role in the French monarchy. This intimate plate (27.5 x .2 cm) exemplifies the era's fascination with authoritative figures, rendering Séguier in formal attire that conveys power and intellect. Engravings like this were vital for disseminating images before photography, allowing portraits of elites to reach a wider audience across Europe. Lasne's meticulous line work—incising fine grooves into a metal plate, inked, and pressed onto laid paper—produces rich tonal contrasts and delicate details, from the texture of lace cuffs to the subtle shading of Séguier's face. Laid paper, with its visible chain lines from the manufacturing mold, was a premium choice for fine prints, ensuring longevity and clarity. This gift to the museum highlights the enduring appeal of Baroque-era prints, blending technical precision with historical gravitas. Visitors will appreciate how Lasne's work immortalizes a pivotal moment in French governance, inviting reflection on the faces that shaped absolutist rule. (198 words)

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...