Portret van Charles Coqueley de Chaussepierre 1780

Jean François Rousseau’s ‘Portret van Charles Coqueley de Chaussepierre’ presents us with a study in contrasts and containment, carefully rendered through etching. The sitter, depicted in profile, is framed within a concentric series of circles, drawing our eye immediately to the intricate details of his face and wig. The composition relies on the interplay between the sharp, precise lines defining the facial features and the softer, almost cloud-like curls of the wig. The artist uses line and shadow to create depth and texture. The circles act as both a boundary and a lens, focusing our attention on the individual while simultaneously distancing him. This portrait uses the symbolic language of geometry and portraiture common in Rousseau’s time. The framing device invites us to consider questions of identity, representation and the relationship between the individual and society. The formal structure serves to elevate the sitter, suggesting his importance within the social fabric.