Hiacinthe de Rigaud, Comte de Vaudreuil 1770

Jean-Baptiste Nini made this terracotta roundel of Hiacinthe de Rigaud, Comte de Vaudreuil, sometime in the 18th century. Nini, an Italian sculptor working in France, captured the Count in profile, immortalizing a member of the French aristocracy amidst the backdrop of pre-revolutionary France. Vaudreuil wasn’t just any nobleman; he was a flamboyant figure known for his lavish lifestyle and close ties to Queen Marie Antoinette. This work offers a window into the world of the French elite on the eve of revolution. As an emblem of status, it speaks to the power dynamics of the era, even while it seems removed from the burgeoning discontent among the lower classes. A poignant artifact, this roundel is a reminder of the complex social tapestry that defined France and the individuals caught within its folds.