Artist: Antoine Benoist (French, 1632-1717), after. Antoine Benoist (by 1721–1770) was a French draughtsman and engraver, who spent much of his working life in London, and was known as Anthony Benoist.
Engraver: Charles Louis Simonneau (French, 1645 - 1728).
Title: Portraits de Louis le Grand graves suivant ses differents âges MDCCIV (Portraits of Louis the Great, Louis XIV, King of France at different ages (1638-1715).
Titled, Dated, and Signed in plate: ABenoist Eques pinxit. Portraits de Louis le Grand graves suivant ses differents âges MDCCIV. Dans ces portraits on voit LOUIS également, Il ne reste plus pour sa gloire, Qu'a trouver un auteur qui puisse dans l'histoire, Le peindre aussy fidelement. Pavillon F. 1703 [text by the poet Étienne Pavillon (1645-1728)].
Dimensions: Image 18 1/4" x 12". Sheet 23 1/4" x 15 3/4".
Date: 1704.
Materials and Techniques: Etching and engraving on laid paper. Separate plates for the image and the text.
Provenance: The Estate of George "Yorgo" Demetrakopoulos; professor, assistant director of the Medieval Institute, and assistant to the dean at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, from 1965-2000.
Condition: Tears, lost corners, wear, folds. The signs of aging are appropriate for the time. A detailed condition report is available on demand.
Museums and Libraries: Princeton University. Graphic Arts Collection GA 2012.01433.
Musées de Reims 2007.0.602.
Art Movements, Periods & Schools: French School XVIII C.
Note:
- Depicted Series of 10 miniature portraits of Louis XIV mounted on a bronze palm tree decorated with laurel wreaths and military trophies.
Acknowledgement: This entry incorporates text from the catalog entry of a similar item from Wikipedia, the Princeton University, Firestone Library, Special Collections, Graphic Arts Collection, and Musées de Reims collection.