Portret van Robert II van Frankrijk 1741

Etienne Ficquet created this portrait of Robert II of France as an engraving. Notice how the composition is structured around a play of geometric forms – the rectangle of the print itself, the oval frame enclosing the king's profile, and the rectangular base that supports the portrait. Ficquet uses line and shading to create depth and texture. The meticulous hatching technique defines the contours of Robert’s face and the folds of his garments, lending a tactile quality to the image. The king is depicted in profile, a formal and somewhat detached pose that emphasizes his status. This compositional choice, framing the king within geometric forms, could be interpreted as an effort to impose order and rationality on the representation of power. The very act of framing, both literally and figuratively, suggests a desire to contain and define identity within structured boundaries. Consider how this portrait engages with broader questions about representation, power, and the role of the artist in shaping historical narratives.