Portret van François de la Chaise 1683 - 1733

Editor: So, here we have Bernard Picart’s engraving, “Portret van François de la Chaise,” made sometime between 1683 and 1733. It’s a rather formal portrait; the man looks quite stern. What symbols or deeper meanings do you see in this portrait? Curator: It’s intriguing how this image employs the visual language of power and piety. Consider the oval frame, for instance, and the inscription surrounding the portrait: “R.P. FRANC. DELACHAISE. CONFESS. S.J. REGII.” The frame acts like a halo. This emphasizes the importance and virtue attached to Father de la Chaise as Confessor to the King. Have you ever considered how powerful symbols and imagery create enduring narratives about an individual's role within society? Editor: Not really, but I do see that now, yes! It's almost like the engraving itself functions as a symbolic act. What do you make of the verse at the bottom, then? Curator: The inscription reads "Magnus cui supplex soli se subjicit Orbis;...Se supplex soli subjicit ipse tibi" suggests de la Chaise is second only to God Himself. The globe submits to the Sun who in turn submits to Him. But what psychological impact do you think that level of visual reverence has? Is it admiration, respect, or maybe something else entirely? Editor: That's a bit intense. Perhaps awe, tinged with a bit of fear? It’s so different from how we perceive leadership today. Curator: Precisely! It highlights the crafted image, but more broadly what this can say about social order in that time. What's really compelling about these visual strategies is how they shape our understanding of a person and the cultural context of their time. Editor: I never thought an engraving could contain so much layered information! This gives me a whole new perspective on portraiture.