Rhetoric: a young woman standing in a decorated interior with a caduceus in her right hand and a closed fan in her left hand, from the series 'The liberal arts' (Les arts liberaux)

Gilles Rousselet was born in Paris in 1610 and became a prominent French engraver in the 17th century. He studied under the renowned engraver Robert Nanteuil and quickly gained recognition for his ability to create intricate and detailed engravings. Rousselet's work focused primarily on portraiture and he created engravings of many notable figures of his time, including Louis XIV, Cardinal Richelieu and Molière. His engravings were highly sought after and were often used in publications such as books, newspapers and magazines. In addition to his portrait work, Rousselet also created engravings of landscapes, historical scenes and religious subjects. He was known for his ability to capture the essence of a scene or subject in his engravings, bringing it to life with intricate detail and a sense of realism. Rousselet's work was highly influential in the world of engraving and he is considered one of the greatest French engravers of the 17th century. He died in Paris in 1686 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and highly skilled engravings.

Gregoire Huret was known for his skills as a draughtsman and worked in a variety of media, including pen and ink, chalk and charcoal. Huret specialised in drawing landscapes, cityscapes and architectural scenes. Huret's work was highly sought after during his lifetime and he received commissions from prominent individuals and institutions throughout France. He was particularly renowned for his detailed and accurate depictions of buildings and architectural features. Huret's drawings were often used as studies for paintings or engravings, and he collaborated with many of the leading artists of his day. His work was also influential in the development of the French landscape tradition, which emphasised the beauty of the natural world. Huret died in 1670 at the age of 64, leaving a legacy as one of the most accomplished draughtsmen of his time. His drawings are still admired today for their precision, detail and beauty.