Henri II de Savoie, duc de Nemours 1652 - 1659

This engraving depicts Henri II de Savoie, the Duke of Nemours, made by Claude Mellan, a French artist from the 17th century. Mellan was known for his distinctive technique of using a single line to create tonal variations, which you can observe in the delicate rendering of the Duke’s face and clothing. The portrait captures the young Duke, a member of the powerful House of Savoy during a period of shifting political alliances in Europe. His androgynous appearance, with long flowing hair and soft features, reflects the aesthetic ideals of the French aristocracy. Consider how gender and power intertwine in this representation. While the Duke holds a position of authority by birthright, his youthful and somewhat feminine portrayal complicates traditional notions of masculinity. This challenges the traditional representation of power, offering a glimpse into the complexities of identity and representation within the French court.