Portrait of the Marquis du Mesnilgarnier 1612 - 1682

Pierre Lombart produced this engraving of the Marquis du Mesnilgarnier in France during the latter half of the 17th century. It offers a window into the social hierarchies and the visual language of power at the time. Engravings like this one served as important tools for disseminating images of the elite. Note the Marquis’s elaborate wig, his formal attire, and the inscription surrounding the portrait, all signaling status and authority. The inclusion of his coat of arms further reinforces his noble lineage. During this period, the French court under Louis XIV was consolidating power and establishing a highly structured social order. Images like this one played a role in reinforcing that order by visually representing the established hierarchy and those who occupied its upper echelons. Understanding this print requires us to consider the social and political functions of portraiture at the time. By exploring period documents and visual culture, we can better understand how images like this one contributed to the construction and maintenance of social power.