Portret van Étienne (II) d'Aligre 1642 - 1678

This is Nicolas de Larmessin's portrait of Étienne d'Aligre II, made as an engraving. D'Aligre occupied a prominent position in 17th-century French society. As a high-ranking official, he was part of a privileged class that wielded significant influence. Larmessin, through his detailed etching, captures d'Aligre’s likeness and conveys his status through the trappings of power. The elaborate wig, the ornate robes, and the formal pose, all speak to d'Aligre’s identity as a man of importance. It’s hard to look at this portrait without considering the inequities of the time. D'Aligre’s power and privilege were built on a system that excluded so many. This portrait prompts us to reflect on the relationship between representation, power, and social justice. While it immortalizes d'Aligre, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the history of identity.