Portret van Nicolas Edouard Olier c. 1663

This is a print of Nicolas Edouard Olier, made in France in the second half of the 17th century by Nicolas de Poilly. This portrait is more than a simple likeness; it's a carefully constructed image meant to convey Olier's status as a 'Chevalier' or Knight, 'Conseiller du Roi', counselor to the King and 'Grand Audiencier de France', a high ranking Judge. Consider the visual codes at play here. The ornate frame, the formal pose, and even the lettering all contribute to an impression of authority and nobility. The prominence of the coat of arms is no accident; it is a visual claim to power, linking the subject to a lineage and legacy. This image reflects the hierarchical society of the time, in which the King was at the top. By analyzing such images, alongside other archival material, such as letters or court documents, historians can gain insight into the social structures of the 17th Century.