Moncornet: 17th-century French Engravings Of Military Portraits

Two antique French engravings – Balthasar Moncornet – 17th century

A very beautiful decorative pair of original French engravings from the mid-17th century, depicting two prominent French military figures.

The engraving on the right depicts Henry de Lorraine (1601–1666), Count of Harcourt and Brionne, a prominent French military leader and Grand Equerry of France.

This copper engraving was published by the famous Parisian engraver and publisher Balthasar Moncornet (c. 1600–1668). It bears the inscription “B. Moncornet exc.” at the bottom. A copy of this same engraving is held in the collections of the British Museum, where it is dated to around 1650–1668.

The engraving on the left depicts Henri de La Tour d’Auvergne, also portrayed as a soldier wearing his armor. In terms of its composition, format, and execution, this engraving is closely related to the portraits published by Balthasar Moncornet in Paris in the mid-17th century.

The two portraits share a very similar composition: the figure in armor within an octagonal frame, a military scene or landscape in the background, and a lengthy biographical text in French beneath the portrait. They thus form a particularly harmonious and historically interesting pair.

The engraving depicting Henry of Lorraine measures approximately 23.8 × 17.8 cm. It has been slightly trimmed around the edges, within the mark of the original plate.

The engraving of Henri de La Tour d’Auvergne appears to have retained more of its margins, but its exact dimensions cannot be determined without removing it from its frame.

Both engravings are mounted under glass in matching wooden frames. The paper shows signs of age and some discoloration consistent with its age.

Period: mid-17th century
Origin: France, Paris
Technique: copper engraving / etching
Publisher: Balthasar Moncornet for Henry de Lorraine; second engraving closely associated with Moncornet’s editions
Date: circa 1650–1668
Dimensions of the Henry de Lorraine engraving: 23.8 × 17.8 cm, unframed

A beautiful pair of authentic 17th-century French military portraits, particularly decorative and steeped in history.

Thank you for visiting. Best regards, Ben