Portret van Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr Possibly 1815 - 1830

Adèle Ethiou created this portrait of Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr using engraving to achieve a refined likeness. At first glance, one might be drawn to the ornate frame surrounding the central figure. The composition is structured in a way which uses a semiotic system. Above, an eagle and celestial elements denote power and enlightenment, whereas below, the word "VERITE" is presented. These classical motifs function to elevate the status of the portrait, placing the sitter within a pantheon of significant figures. The formal framework engages with a system of codes, which can be interpreted as a challenge to fixed meanings. This piece invites us to consider how traditional symbols of authority are reconfigured to engage with new ideas. In this context, the subtle variations in line and texture become integral to understanding how the artwork challenges conventional representation.