Portret van Henri de Bourbon - Andrew Duncan

A detailed nineteenth-century engraving by Andrew Duncan, depicting Henri, Duke of Bordeaux, in formal attire.

This fine engraving by the British artist Andrew Duncan depicts Henri, Duke of Bordeaux, later known as the Count of Chambord. The subject is rendered with the precision characteristic of early nineteenth-century portraiture, capturing the refined features and formal attire of the French royal figure. Duncan employs a delicate system of cross-hatching and stippling to define the contours of the face and the texture of the subject's double-breasted coat. The composition follows a traditional bust-length format, with the sitter turned slightly to the left, his gaze directed away from the viewer in a manner common to aristocratic portraiture of the period.

The print demonstrates the technical proficiency of Duncan, who was active in London during the 1830s. The artist manages the transition between light and shadow across the face with subtle gradations, providing a sense of volume and presence. The attention to detail extends to the cravat and the buttons of the jacket, which are rendered with clarity. The background remains largely unadorned, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the subject. This work reflects the broader European interest in documenting the likenesses of royal figures during a time of political transition in France. The inscription at the base, identifying the sitter as Heinrich Herzog von Bordeaux, confirms the intended audience for such prints, which were often produced for circulation among those interested in continental politics and royal genealogy. The paper retains a warm, aged tone, consistent with its age and historical provenance. This print is a representative example of the portrait engraving tradition that flourished before the widespread adoption of photography, providing a clear and accurate record of the sitter's appearance for a contemporary audience.