Victor Bouthillier 1659

Curator: This engraving by Robert Nanteuil captures Victor Bouthillier, a figure of some importance. Editor: It’s intense. So serious, almost like he knows all your secrets. I think it’s the eyes. Curator: Engravings such as these were vital in disseminating imagery and solidifying power, showcasing individuals like Bouthillier to wider audiences. Editor: The oval frame around him feels... ceremonial. And the detail in the robe; you can almost feel the weight of the fabric, right? Curator: Exactly, details like the family crest and the cross denote his position in society. Editor: It's incredible how Nanteuil made something so formal feel so intimate and... maybe a little intimidating. Curator: Indeed, it offers a lens into the politics of portraiture during that era. Editor: For me, it’s a reminder that even historical figures had a gaze, a presence, that still resonates.