Portret van Philippe de Courcillon 1703

Pierre Drevet created this portrait of Philippe de Courcillon, likely as an engraving. Observe the subject's lavish wig, which speaks volumes about the cultural importance attached to hair and appearance in that era. This wig echoes the sculpted hair of classical statues, but with a baroque exaggeration that signals rank and status. Think of the flowing locks of a Roman emperor, reimagined as a symbol of French aristocratic power. The fleur-de-lis, prominently displayed on his robe, further reinforces this connection to French royalty. This stylized lily, a long-standing emblem of the French monarchy, finds its roots in religious symbolism, representing purity, light, and perfection. The motifs of power and status shift across time, yet resurface in new guises. The wig, the fleur-de-lis—they are not merely decorative; they are potent visual cues that tap into our collective memory. It is a display that engages the viewer, consciously or unconsciously, in the ongoing drama of human ambition and aspiration.