Marie-Jeanne-Baptiste de Savoie-Nemours, Duchesse de Savoie 1678

Editor: So, this is Robert Nanteuil's engraving of Marie-Jeanne-Baptiste de Savoie-Nemours, Duchesse de Savoie. It's quite formal. What strikes you about its historical context? Curator: Well, it's interesting how Nanteuil, as a prominent portrait engraver, helped shape the public image of figures like the Duchesse. Consider how prints like these circulated, reinforcing and disseminating specific ideas about power and nobility. What do you think the inclusion of the coat of arms signifies? Editor: Perhaps it's a declaration of her lineage and authority? Curator: Precisely. And think about the role of such images in constructing and maintaining social hierarchies. These weren't simply artworks; they were powerful tools in the theatre of politics. Has looking at it this way changed your perspective? Editor: Definitely, I see it as less of a portrait and more of a carefully constructed political statement. Curator: Exactly! It’s a fascinating example of how art serves a purpose within a broader socio-political landscape.