Portret Henricus Ludovicus Habert de Montmor 1659

This is Nicolas de Plattemontagne's portrait of Henricus Ludovicus Habert de Montmor. Plattemontagne, who lived in the 17th century, made this portrait during a time of strict social rules about who had power and who didn't. This portrait shows a man who was important, part of the elite class. Habert de Montmor's clothes and how he presents himself are all signs of his high status. In those days, portraits weren't just about showing what someone looked like; they were about showing their place in society. The way people dressed, their hair, even the way they looked at the viewer – it all told a story about who they were and how they wanted to be seen. Looking at this portrait now, we might think about how class and identity were tied together. How much of who we are is about what we're born into, and how much is about what we choose for ourselves? These are questions that this image asks us, even though it's from so long ago.