Portret van Philippe Dece 1682

This is a portrait of Philippe Dece, made with engraving by Nicolas de Larmessin, likely in France around the mid-17th century. Larmessin was part of a family of printmakers who were official artists to the French crown. This image would likely have been commissioned to enhance Dece's public image. The portrait employs visual codes of status. Dece is presented formally, with a somber expression and wearing dignified clothing. The inscription identifies him as a legal consultant, emphasizing his professional standing. In its time, this portrait would have circulated among a specific social sphere, reinforcing Dece's position within legal and possibly political circles. To fully understand this image, we can consult period documents, legal archives, and biographical information about both the sitter and the artist. The history of portraiture as an institution and the social function of images are vital to understanding the cultural work this engraving performed. Art is always a product of its time, reflecting the values and power structures of its society.