A formal nineteenth-century engraving by Ambroise Tardieu depicting the French deputy Alexandre-Jacques Perier.

This engraving by Ambroise Tardieu depicts Alexandre-Jacques Perier, a French politician who served as a deputy for the Loiret department. The work dates to the period following his election in 1817. Tardieu, a member of a prominent family of cartographers and engravers, demonstrates the technical precision characteristic of early nineteenth-century French printmaking. The portrait is contained within a clean oval frame, a common convention for formal likenesses of the era, which directs the viewer's attention to the subject's facial features and expression.

The subject is dressed in the formal attire of a nineteenth-century gentleman, featuring a high-collared coat and a cravat. The shading is achieved through delicate cross-hatching and stippling, techniques that allow for a subtle transition of tones across the face and clothing. Below the portrait, the inscription identifies the sitter and his political role, providing a clear historical context for the image. The surrounding paper retains the character of a period print, with the plate mark visible and the original margins intact.

Ambroise Tardieu was known for his contributions to scientific and historical publications, often producing maps and portraits with a high degree of accuracy. This print reflects the standard of portraiture used to document public figures during the Bourbon Restoration. The composition is balanced and restrained, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation to focus on the individual. The print serves as a record of a political figure from the early nineteenth century, captured through the disciplined medium of copperplate engraving. It is an example of the professional portraiture that circulated among the French elite, documenting the appearance of those involved in the governance of the nation during a period of political transition.