Portrait of Charles George Fenouillot de Falbaire de Quingey 1787

This engraving, made by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, depicts Charles George Fenouillot de Falbaire de Quingey, appointed by the King in 1782. It gives us a glimpse into the world of the French aristocracy during the late 18th century. The visual codes are clear: the powdered wig, the elegant jacket, and the ornate frame all speak to wealth and status. The inscription below tells us he was an Inspector General of salt mines, a position of considerable importance in pre-revolutionary France. Salt was a valuable commodity and its production was heavily regulated by the state. To fully understand this image, we can dig into the archives and explore the history of salt production in France, the role of the aristocracy in the French economy, and the ways in which individuals like Falbaire de Quingey maintained their power and influence.