Portret van Michel-Philippe Bouvart 1758 - 1806

Pierre Adrien Le Beau created this print, titled *Portret van Michel-Philippe Bouvart,* using etching and engraving. During this time, France was experiencing profound social stratification. Bouvart, a Knight of the Order of the King and a Professor, was part of the privileged class. Observe how Bouvart's powdered wig and formal attire visually communicate his status. Le Beau’s portrait operates within a visual economy of class, reflecting the hierarchies of the era, while also solidifying Bouvart's personal and professional identity. The inscription further reinforces Bouvart's credentials and affiliations. Consider how portraits, like this one, played a crucial role in shaping perceptions and perpetuating power structures within 18th-century French society. This image serves as a historical marker and is a study in the visual language of social standing.