Henri II de Lorraine, Marquis de Mouy c. 17th century

Editor: This is Robert Nanteuil’s portrait of Henri II de Lorraine, Marquis de Mouy. I’m drawn to the intricate detail, especially in the armor. How was something like this produced at the time? Curator: Nanteuil was a master of engraving. Think about the labor involved in meticulously cutting those lines into the copperplate, the societal structures which supported such craft. Consider the consumption of luxury goods. Editor: So, you're saying the process reveals the values of the time? Curator: Exactly. The portrait signifies the Marquis’s status, achieved through materials, production, and, of course, his social standing. It's all interconnected. Editor: I hadn't considered it that way. Curator: It all comes down to materials and labor. Editor: It does add another layer to the piece. Thanks.