Jacques de Charron 

This is an engraving of Jacques de Charron, made by Michel Lasne in France in the 17th century. It presents a man of obvious wealth and status. Such images are revealing of the social structures of their time. Charron’s attire speaks to the importance of fashion as a marker of social standing. He wears an elaborate ruff, a doublet, and a cloak draped over his shoulder, all signs of his aristocratic identity. The inclusion of his coat of arms further reinforces his lineage and noble status. The Latin inscription beneath his name, “Ac heros, ac vir bonus”, meaning “A hero, a good man,” elevates him. The print medium itself is significant. Engravings like this one played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas across Europe. They helped to construct and reinforce social hierarchies by immortalizing and celebrating the elite. To understand this image fully, we might consult period sources such as etiquette manuals, fashion plates, and genealogical records. These can help us understand the codes and conventions that governed social life in 17th-century France.