Portrait of Count Wenzel Anton Kaunitz 1762

Jean-Étienne Liotard rendered this portrait of Count Wenzel Anton Kaunitz in the 18th century, a time of shifting social structures and evolving identities. The portrait presents Kaunitz, an influential Austrian statesman, adorned in the attire and powdered wig indicative of his aristocratic status. Yet, the softness of Liotard's pastel technique, combined with Kaunitz's direct gaze, offers an intimate glimpse beyond his public persona. During this period, the Enlightenment ideals began to challenge traditional hierarchies, even as figures like Kaunitz maintained their power. This portrait exists at the intersection of inherited privilege and the burgeoning ethos of individualism. It invites us to consider the emotional dimensions of leadership and the weight of societal expectations. It subtly undermines traditional representations through its delicate portrayal of power.