Portret van Armand-Emmanuel du Plessis, hertog van Richelieu

Nicolas Maurin created this portrait of Armand-Emmanuel du Plessis, the Duke of Richelieu, using lithography. The composition focuses predominantly on the Duke's upper body, set against a subtle gradient backdrop that fades into the paper. The texture of the Duke's hair is rendered with intricate, swirling lines that contrast against the smoother surfaces of his coat and necktie. This textural difference draws our eye to the face, which in turn suggests a tension between the individual and his status. The buttons and star of honour act as symbolic anchors, structuring the space and reinforcing the subject's identity within the social hierarchy. The choice of lithography is itself significant, it allows for the capture of fine details. It also destabilizes the traditional notions of artistic uniqueness and the art object that developed during this period. The portrait operates within a semiotic system, using visual components and cultural codes to convey messages about power, status, and representation.