Robert de Cotte c. 18th century

Curator: This is Pierre Drevet’s portrait of Robert de Cotte. It's an engraving, a process allowing for wide distribution, which makes me consider its original audience and function. Editor: My first impression is one of formality and powdered artifice, almost a performance of status. The subject is surrounded by symbols of wealth and power. Curator: Absolutely. De Cotte was a key figure in the Royal Academy of Architecture, inheriting the role of premier architect from Mansart. His clothing and bearing speak to the social currency that portraiture provided in that era. Editor: The architectural book and drawing tools hint at his profession, but his gaze and posture convey more than just professional identity. There's a sense of inherited privilege and perhaps also the burden of responsibility. The symbols really speak to the weight of expectation. Curator: Considering the historical context, understanding these portraits as tools of self-fashioning is crucial. They project a carefully curated image that served both personal and political aims. Editor: It's intriguing to consider how enduring these symbols of power have proven to be. They still resonate with us, albeit in a different way.