Portret van Henri François d'Aguesseau 1708 - 1771

Curator: Hello, and welcome. We are looking at a fascinating piece from sometime between 1708 and 1771: a print, specifically an engraving, portraying Henri François d'Aguesseau. The piece is signed by Nicolas Gabriel Dupuis. Editor: Well, first impression: that's a *serious* wig. I mean, the man looks like he's wearing a cloud of powdered sheep. It commands attention, doesn't it? Makes me think this guy probably commanded attention in a room, too. Curator: Indeed. The Baroque period certainly embraced elaborate expressions of status, and the wig is a clear indicator here. It’s interesting how the formality of the attire and the subject is captured through the medium of engraving; you can see how meticulously each line is placed. The detail almost feels like an assertion of control. Editor: Control is a good word for it. There's something very controlled about his expression too, isn't there? It's not an inviting gaze exactly, but thoughtful, discerning. Curator: Yes, that reflects the symbolic function of portraiture in that era. It's about presenting a public persona, reinforcing social hierarchies and conveying authority. D’Aguesseau was, after all, Chancellor of France, an incredibly powerful position. This print isn’t just an image, but an emblem of power. Editor: Absolutely, the symbols woven throughout, like the cross on his chest and the oval frame, enhance that symbolic presentation of power, as if framing an entire social universe in his being. Looking at it now, I imagine this portrait had its own sense of agency in how people interacted with him. Did people carry his likeness around as they schemed and planned? I wonder. Curator: Precisely! The enduring nature of printmaking allowed for broader distribution, solidifying his image and influence beyond the court circles. Prints played a vital role in disseminating ideology and constructing historical narratives. Editor: It really does feel like looking at a moment frozen in history, and an actively manipulated one at that! Fascinating. I will definitely think about the power of portraiture much more going forward! Curator: An interesting thing to ponder indeed. Thank you for sharing your perspective, hopefully others have enjoyed this brief dive into the symbolic world of Henri François d'Aguesseau.