Portret van Eustache de Refuge 1654

This is Pierre Daret’s portrait of Eustache de Refuge, made sometime between 1604 and 1675. Refuge was a counselor to the King of France, and this portrait, now held at the Rijksmuseum, commemorates his service. Consider the visual language of power embedded in this image. The elaborate ruff around Refuge’s neck, the fine details of his beard, and the heraldic symbols all speak to his status and authority in the French court. But there's also a tension here, as Refuge was a figure navigating the complex religious and political landscape of his time. As a diplomat, Refuge was involved in peace negotiations and treaties during a period marked by religious conflict. The weight of these responsibilities, the negotiations, and the compromises, are they visible in his gaze? Does his portrait attempt to portray the emotional toll of a life lived in service to the state? This portrait is more than just a representation; it’s a window into the negotiation of identity, loyalty, and power in a fractured society.