Portret van François Dominique de Reynaud, hertog van Montlosier 1808 - 1849

Achille Désiré Lefèvre created this portrait of François Dominique de Reynaud, Duke of Montlosier. It gives us a glimpse into the world of 19th-century French aristocracy, a period marked by political upheaval and social change following the French Revolution. Montlosier was a figure deeply entrenched in the politics of his time, known for his staunch defense of the Catholic Church and the monarchy. Lefèvre’s portrait captures the Duke’s air of authority, yet there’s a certain vulnerability in his eyes, perhaps reflecting the anxieties of a fading aristocracy in a world increasingly shaped by republican ideals. It makes me think about the weight of history, and how individuals are both products and actors within its unfolding drama. In his representation, does Lefèvre offer a straightforward depiction of power, or is there a subtle commentary woven into the lines of Montlosier's face?