Henri-Auguste de Loménie, comte de Brienne 1660

Robert Nanteuil created this engraving of Henri-Auguste de Loménie, comte de Brienne, a prominent French statesman, during a time of strict social hierarchies. Consider the power dynamics at play: Nanteuil, as an artist, immortalizes Brienne, embedding his legacy within the visual culture of the era. The elaborate wreath surrounding Brienne is a symbol of status, a visual language of the elite. Yet, this image also reflects the complex relationship between artist and patron. Nanteuil’s skill is evident, but his livelihood depended on commissions from figures like Brienne. What does it mean to have your image circulated in this way? This portrait serves not only as a record but as a tool for shaping identity and asserting authority. It invites us to reflect on how representation, power, and identity intersect in the creation and reception of art.