The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 15 - Michael Lasne

A detailed seventeenth-century engraving by Michael Lasne, featuring a portrait of Gaston, Duke of Orléans, surrounded by military trophies.

This print by Michael Lasne forms part of a series documenting the Siege of La Rochelle, a military engagement during the French Wars of Religion. The composition centres on a portrait of Gaston, Duke of Orléans, the younger brother of King Louis XIII. The portrait is contained within an oval frame, which is surrounded by an elaborate arrangement of military trophies. These include drums, pikes, banners, and pieces of armour, all rendered with the technical precision characteristic of seventeenth-century French printmaking.

Lasne, a prolific engraver based in Paris, utilised the medium of etching and engraving to achieve a high level of detail in the textures of the fabric, the metallic sheen of the armour, and the delicate features of the Duke. The work reflects the political climate of the era, where military success and royal lineage were frequently celebrated through such formal, decorative iconography. The inclusion of the crown above the portrait serves to reinforce the status of the subject within the royal hierarchy. The surrounding military equipment is arranged in a symmetrical fashion, creating a balanced visual weight that directs the viewer's attention back to the central figure.

As a historical document, this print provides insight into the visual language of the French court during the early seventeenth century. The use of line work to define shadow and form demonstrates the skill required to produce such commercial and commemorative works. The print is a fine example of the period's preference for combining portraiture with symbolic military elements to convey power and authority. Its clean lines and structured composition make it a suitable choice for those interested in military history or the development of European print culture.