Nicolas de Larmessin

Nicolas de Larmessin was an artist active across the 17th and 18th centuries, with his documented creative period spanning the years 1642 to 1731. His known output consists entirely of prints, specializing in historical and contemporary portraiture.

The scope of his subject matter was broad, encompassing figures of royalty, historical importance, and military authority. Representative examples held in museum collections include the works Portret van Christiaan V, koning van Denemarken en Noorwegen, Portret van Don Juan van Oostenrijk, and Portret van Chilperik I. He also executed portraits of ancient and foreign dignitaries, such as Portret van een Tartaarse keizer and Portret van Hadrianus Junius.

Fifteen prints by Nicolas de Larmessin are represented in significant institutional holdings, establishing his position as a notable figure in historical printmaking. These museum-quality works are preserved in permanent collections, including the Rijksmuseum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to their age, much of the artist's work is today considered public domain, allowing high-quality prints to be studied and viewed widely as downloadable artwork.