Isaac Briot (1585–1670), Portrait of Paul Petau, 1618

The French engraver Isaac Briot, starting from the plate with Petau’s portrait by F. Rousset, revisited the setting, and rethought the display of ancient objects represented. He replaced the arch with an oval frame and updated the ensemble with more modern elements.

The entire panel is dominated by the bust-length portrait of Paul Petau in three-quarter view, which is housed in an oval frame with a neutral background in which only the shadow of the jurist's bust appears to be reflected. Petau is depicted at the age of 41 with the characteristic physiognomy: gaunt face, prominent cheekbones, wavy hair, slightly receding hairline, long full beard, and mustache. His head is slightly bent forward. He is wearing an elegant magistrate robe with an open collar buttoned down the front and a coat.
The outside of the frame is emphasized by two mannerist rococo-like, winged, hermaphroditic herms with male features, albeit with very pronounced female breasts. These two figures end in foliage from the belly downwards. Further leaves and tendrils overhang the upper edge of the oval and surround three gems. In the lower part of the frame - on a cartouche - the front and back of three Merovingian coins are depicted. The lower edge of the panel is occupied by another cartouche with the same inscription taken from the portrait of 1609: CUM NOVA TOT QVAERANT NON NISI PRISCA PETO PA. PETAVIUS IN FRANCORUM CURIA CONSILIARIUS AN. INC. DOM. M.DC.IX AETATIS XLI
On the lower left margin there ist the signature and date: Briot. Fecit. 1618

This portrait is included in the richest (number of plates) specimens of the Petau catalogs printed from 1618 onward as well as in the edition of 1757, although the date of 1610 is kept on the frontispiece.

Engraver, coiner, and well-known print publisher, Isaac Briot was the brother of Nicolas Briot (medal engraver and Huguenot). Their father – Didier Briot – was the famous coiner, merchant, medal engraver, and master of the Sedan mint. Nicolas married about 1611 Esther Petau, Paul’s daughter and Alexandre’s sister.