Portret van Filips III 1755 - 1765

Sébastien Pinssio made this portrait of Pierre de Rohan, Maréchal de Gié, with etching. Rohan lived in the 15th and 16th centuries, a period of intense social and political change in France. The image is striking for its references to Rohan’s status. We see the armor and helmet, symbols of military prowess, as well as the pedestal, reminiscent of a sculpture. It's possible that this image was commissioned to celebrate Rohan's position, or to solidify his legacy within the French aristocracy. The inscription indicates that Rohan was a Maréchal de Gié and died in 1513. The image's existence speaks to the ways in which the French aristocracy sought to immortalize itself through art. It’s important to remember that these images were not neutral depictions, but rather carefully constructed statements about power, status, and legacy. Examining such images through historical documents will tell us more about the circumstances of its production and reception.