Portret van François-Michel Le Tellier 1688

This is Johann Hainzelmann’s portrait of François-Michel le Tellier, made using etching and engraving techniques sometime in the late 17th century. Hainzelmann captures le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois, Secretary of State, in a way that speaks volumes about power and identity during the reign of Louis XIV. Le Tellier's elaborate wig and lace collar are more than mere fashion statements; they symbolize his status and belonging to the French aristocracy. Note how his gaze meets yours directly, an assertion of authority but also an invitation to engage with his persona. The portrait sits within the context of a rigid class structure, where one’s image was carefully constructed to reflect one’s position. It invites us to consider how identity is performed and reinforced through visual cues. It's an insight into the machinations of power and the construction of masculinity in the French court.