Portret van Charles-François-César Le Tellier de Montmirail 1766

Editor: This is an engraving, a print really, called "Portret van Charles-François-César Le Tellier de Montmirail" from 1766, created by Charles Etienne Gaucher. It strikes me as rather formal, very much of its time, but also somehow…austere. What do you see in it? Curator: Austere, yes, I agree. But perhaps that austerity is also a form of power. Think of the time, the Enlightenment – the rationalism, the emphasis on reason, reflected in the clear lines, the almost clinical precision of the engraving. See how the sitter is framed, literally, within that oval – almost like a specimen, under observation. Editor: So, the portrait isn't just a likeness; it’s also about power and control. I hadn't thought about the framing like that. It’s interesting because the portrait is decorated with musical symbols! Is it meant to be ironic or to add some depth to the man's public persona? Curator: It does add a touch of intrigue, doesn't it? The horn might be hinting at the sitter’s involvement in some intellectual circle, some pursuit of beauty alongside power. Perhaps, they hoped to represent him as the ideal enlightened aristocrat – both rational and cultured. Notice also the almost sculptural quality, that restrained use of line. It's very intentional, like he is one of the heroes celebrated from classical times. What do you make of that? Editor: I guess I didn’t really see it at first. Thanks for helping to frame this in my mind… or outside it, really. Curator: Absolutely. Each artwork speaks in whispers and invites interpretations. Let's leave room for more whispers another day, eh?