Philibert-Emmanuel de Beaumanoir 1666

Curator: Robert Nanteuil's portrait of Philibert-Emmanuel de Beaumanoir presents us with an intriguing figure. Editor: The man appears contained, almost as if he is aware of being framed, both literally and figuratively. There's a palpable sense of control and self-presentation here. Curator: Considering Nanteuil was the official portraitist to the court of Louis XIV, that feeling is perhaps unavoidable. This engraving, now housed at the Harvard Art Museums, offers insight into the power dynamics of the era. Editor: Absolutely. The subject's attire, the ornate medal—these aren't merely decorative. They communicate wealth, status, and belonging to a specific social order. Curator: It’s a window into the construction of identity during a time of great social and political change, and how images helped reinforce existing power structures. Editor: A reminder that representation itself is never neutral, and that even in portraiture, we see reflections of broader societal narratives. Curator: Indeed, a conversation starter about the politics of image-making. Editor: A valuable perspective.