Portret van René de Longueil 1636 - 1676

Jean Frosne created this print, "Portret van René de Longueil," sometime in the 17th century. It offers us a glimpse into the world of the French aristocracy during a period defined by the consolidation of royal power under Louis XIV. Here, René de Longueil, a member of the French court and parliament, is memorialized through the formal conventions of portraiture. Longueil’s identity is expressed through signifiers of status. From his elaborate wig to his ornate cravat and heraldic crest, every detail speaks to his position within the French court. However, the portrait also communicates the complex social and political dynamics of the era. Aristocrats such as Longueil had to negotiate their identities and status in relation to the monarchy. By commissioning and circulating portraits, figures like Longueil asserted their presence within the French court. Consider how this image both reinforces and negotiates the subject’s position in society. It serves not only as a personal memento but also as a statement about power, identity, and the intricate play of status in 17th-century France.