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Not on display
On the basis of the inscription this painting has in the past been considered to be a portrait of the philosopher Descartes (1596 - 1650) by Pierre Mignard. However, there is no relation to the authenticated likenesses of Descartes, nor is this painting by Mignard. A recent attribution for this painting to the portraitist Gabriel Revel seems probable.
The costume accords with a date of about 1670.
The costume accords with a date of about 1670.
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The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN