Portret van Jean-François Paul de Gondi 1755

Here at the Rijksmuseum is Michel Aubert's portrait of Jean-François Paul de Gondi, an engraving created in the 18th century. The composition is striking for its use of geometric forms: the oval portrait sits atop a rectangular pedestal, creating a structured hierarchy. Aubert plays with texture through the density of his engraving lines, evoking the fabric of Gondi’s robes and the smoothness of his face. The stark contrast between light and shadow gives the portrait a palpable sense of depth. This interplay of form and texture isn't merely decorative. The geometric rigidity speaks to the subject's status and the social structures of the time, while the detailed textures humanize him. Note how the oval disrupts the severe lines, softening the overall effect. This tension embodies the complexities inherent in portraiture. Consider how Aubert uses these formal elements to create a dialogue between the individual and the societal structures they inhabit. It’s a composition that invites us to consider the relationship between form, representation, and the construction of identity.