Portrait of Louis XIV

Pierre Drevet belonged to a prominent family of portrait engravers in France, which afforded him the opportunity to portray many distinguished individuals. In Portrait of Louis XIV, Drevet captured the rich textures and materials in Hyacinthe Rigaud’s painting with supreme delicacy and precision. Drevet’s engraving exudes warmth: from the graceful play of light off the velvets and furs, to the heaviness of the fleur-de-lis embroidered drapery. The variety of tones and materials depicted produces a realistic and tangible illustration of Louis XIV’s regal presence.