Allegorische voorstelling met Armand-Jean du Plessis hertog van Richelieu, in het gezelschap van Apollo en Neptunus (deel linksonder) 1616 - 1670

Editor: This is a portion of an engraving from sometime between 1616 and 1670 by Gr\u00e9goire Huret, housed at the Rijksmuseum. It is titled "Allegorical Representation with Armand-Jean du Plessis, Duke of Richelieu, in the Company of Apollo and Neptune." The Baroque style gives it such dramatic energy! What do you make of the symbols employed here? Curator: Immediately, I'm drawn to the prominence of Apollo and Neptune – powerful symbols in their own right. Apollo represents reason, the arts, and order, while Neptune commands the seas and represents power, but also the volatile depths of emotion. What is the significance of their being in the company of Richelieu, and how does Huret depict their dynamic? Editor: That's what I was hoping you'd touch upon. I understand that the Duke was a cardinal and statesman in France… Curator: Precisely. And during his time, images were deployed strategically. Notice the symbolic weight of Richelieu being positioned amongst them. He’s not merely in their presence; the arrangement implies a divine sanction for his power. Do you see how the anchor and other maritime symbols of trade point to Richelieu's aspirations for French naval dominance, almost echoing Neptune’s control? Editor: Yes, it’s like the artist is giving him all the desirable attributes by association! Curator: Indeed. This wasn’t merely decorative. Consider the political atmosphere: France, navigating religious and dynastic tensions. Huret is carefully crafting an image to align Richelieu with not just temporal strength (Neptune) but divine intellect and the arts of civilization (Apollo), strengthening his reputation by association. It’s a narrative told through symbolic language. Editor: So it’s an image working very hard to solidify the Duke's image and influence, appealing to France's cultural memory! Thanks! Curator: Exactly. Symbols have power not in isolation, but through collective understanding and deliberate placement within a historical narrative. Considering its layers is truly fascinating.