Portret van Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr in een versierde cartouche 1815 - 1825

Adèle Ethiou created this print of Laurent de Gouvion Saint-Cyr. Notice how the composition is structured around a central portrait, framed within an elaborately decorated cartouche. The artist has used a monochromatic palette, which emphasizes the textures and fine lines of the print. The portrait is not merely representational; it's embedded within layers of symbolic ornamentation. The cartouche itself, adorned with military emblems, functions as a signifier of Saint-Cyr's status and achievements. Ethiou uses visual codes familiar to the period, constructing an image that communicates power and prestige. This is not just a likeness but a carefully constructed representation designed to convey specific meanings. The rigid symmetry and detailed execution speak to the formal conventions of portraiture during this era, while the overall design suggests a commentary on the nature of representation and the construction of identity. The artwork invites us to consider how images function within a network of cultural and historical signs.