Portret van Lodewijk van Frankrijk, hertog van Bourgondië 1698

Gérard Edelinck created this portrait of Louis, Duke of Burgundy in printmaking. Note how Edelinck uses an oval frame to focus our attention on the Duke. The engraver masterfully uses lines to define form, mimicking light and shadow. The Duke's gaze directs us, inviting a silent dialogue. The composition is formal, yet there's a palpable sense of the subject's humanity, captured through the soft rendering of his features. This portrait presents a complex interplay between the public role and the private person. The texture of the Duke's clothing is strikingly detailed, contrasting with the smoother background. This juxtaposition isn't just aesthetic, it subtly underscores the Duke's status against the backdrop of his time. This portrait provides insight into the values and social structures of the era, capturing the essence of a pivotal historical figure.