Portret van Joseph Jean Baptiste Fleuriau Armenonville 1686 - 1727

Curator: Here at the Rijksmuseum, we have an intriguing portrait by Matthijs Pool, executed between 1686 and 1727. It's an engraving titled "Portret van Joseph Jean Baptiste Fleuriau Armenonville". Editor: My first impression is of controlled power, or maybe even theatrical presentation of self. The stark lines of the engraving and the oval frame give it a formal feel, yet the flowing wig suggests dynamism. Curator: Indeed. Let's examine the structure. The use of engraving allows for precise control over line and tone. Observe how Pool uses hatching to create depth, particularly in the subject's face and the folds of his robe. The oval format also serves to isolate the subject, focusing the viewer's attention. Editor: Right, but consider what these symbols conveyed. The wig, of course, represented status and adherence to fashion of the French court. The elaborate robes and the insignia likely signified his position, maybe as a royal advisor or nobleman. What kind of man was considered worth immortalizing like this? Curator: Absolutely. There’s an implied authority emanating from this print. Notice, too, how the symmetry is disrupted slightly by the fall of the wig—it's almost as if Pool is allowing some sliver of the individual to push through the rigid expectations of the portrait genre. Editor: Precisely! I find myself wondering about Armenonville's personal story, his triumphs and anxieties hidden behind that constructed public image. Engravings like this are valuable historical artifacts because they help reconstruct an understanding of a certain time period. It lets you access the collective consciousness of society, and not just its physical space. Curator: Fascinating. The stark visual contrast mirrors the contrast between outward appearance and inward reality, something Pool's artistry subtly brings to light through technical choices like the contrast in line weight. Editor: This encounter reminds us that images are never neutral. They are imbued with historical meanings, cultural codes, and unspoken longings that continue to resonate with audiences today. Curator: Indeed. And in this particular engraving, the visual dialogue between control and spontaneity gives the artwork enduring appeal and meaning.