Jean Monnet 1765

Curator: Here we have Augustin de Saint-Aubin's portrait of Jean Monnet. It’s an engraving, showcasing the sitter in profile, framed by an elaborate oval border. Editor: It’s quite striking, isn’t it? The use of line creates a strong sense of depth and volume, especially in the rendering of Monnet’s face. There's an almost sculptural quality to it. Curator: Absolutely. Saint-Aubin was a master of capturing likeness and social standing through prints. Monnet, as a figure in Parisian society, would have used this image to circulate his own persona. Editor: I’m drawn to the contrast between the formality of the portrait and the almost playful ornamentation—the floral garlands, the musical score, and that melancholic, veiled face at the bottom. Curator: Those elements speak to Monnet's world, reflecting his interests and the cultural milieu of the time. Printmaking enabled the wider dissemination of knowledge and promoted Enlightenment ideals. Editor: It makes you wonder about the conversations this small image might have sparked back then, and even now. Curator: Indeed. Its enduring appeal lies in how it allows us to consider the individual within a specific historical frame.