Nicolas de Larmessin I (French 1632-1694), Paris, late 17th century

Nicolas de Larmessin I (French 1632-1694), Paris, late 17th century

Nicolas de Larmessin I was an engraver, elder brother of Nicolas de Larmessin II. His father was a libraire; he himself was apprenticed to Jean Mathieu in 1647. In 1654 he married the daughter of the print publisher Pierre Bertrand of the Pomme d'Or in rue St Jacques and took over his stock at his death in 1678. On his own death, the business seems to have been continued by his widow. De Larmessin specialised in portraits, often in series. 

A group of 9 portrait engravings mainly of Ottoman sultans and their wives within ovals and with ribbon, various impressions, including Sultana Eumenia, Muhammad IV, Kara Mustafa Pasha, Mehmet IV, Suleyman III, Suleyman Mustapha, Grand Vizier Ahmet Pasha, Tombut King of Guinea, Jean-Michel Vicomte de Cigala.

Theordore Van Merlen (Belgian), 17th century, Hosmanus Imperatoris Ibrahim Filius; P. Aubrey, circa 1680, Sultan Echmet Empereur des Turcs Aagè de 10 Ans.; Coeck Van Aelst Pieter, 1533, Suleyman Ain Kaiser der Tirckei. 

26 further portrait engravings of Ottoman Sultans, all mounted (38) 

Exhibitions

The same engraving of Sultana Eumenia exists in the Victoria and Albert Museum, access. no. SP.193.

The same engraving of Muhammed IV is in the British Museum 1982.U.3006; and of Jean-Michel Vicomte de Cigala 0,3.205.