Robert Nanteuil was a French engraver, draughtsman and pastellist. His first known work is the title page for his thesis in philosophy at the Jesuit College in Reims, which he engraved in copper in 1645. Two years later, he moved to Paris. His first portraits are pencil drawings on paper, which he drew directly from the living model. In 1652, his copperplate print portrait of Cardinal Mazarin made him a well-known and much sought-after portraitist. Nanteuil produced a total of eleven portrait prints of King Louis XIV, and he also portrayed many noblemen and the most important officials at the king's court. Nanteuil's head portraits are characterised by their life-size as well as by the renunciation of ornamental accessories and extravagant effects. He was also one of the most talented pastellists of the 17th century. Nanteuil's style shaped French portrait engraving until the end of the 18th century.