Jean Saint Bonnet de Toiras 

This engraving of Jean Saint Bonnet de Toiras was created by Michel Lasne during the height of his career in the 17th century. Lasne was one of the most respected engravers of his time, best known for his portraits of French aristocracy. Here, Jean Saint Bonnet de Toiras is depicted in armor, a symbol of his military status and noble identity. Note the oval frame, a popular framing device at the time, reinforcing the sitter’s importance. In the 17th century, portraiture played a crucial role in constructing and preserving social status. It was a means for the elite to assert their presence in society. What does it mean to be memorialized in this way? How does the portrait serve to immortalize the sitter, while reinforcing the social hierarchies of the time? Consider the emotional weight of representation, both for the sitter and those who engage with the portrait.