Henri II d'Orléans, Duc de Longueville 1650 - 1660

Robert Nanteuil’s print depicts Henri II d'Orléans, Duke of Longueville, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and politics of 17th-century France. Made during the reign of Louis XIV, the image operates through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The Duke is dressed in armor, a symbol of military prowess but also of aristocratic power. This portrait speaks to the importance of lineage and status in French society. The inscription around the oval further reinforces this message, listing the Duke's titles and emphasizing his noble heritage. France, during this period, was a highly stratified society, and the image reflects the social hierarchies of the time. It is a self-consciously conservative work, reinforcing the established order and celebrating the power of the aristocracy. To fully understand this artwork, we might consult historical records, genealogical charts, and studies of French court culture. This would enable us to understand the artwork as a product of its time, shaped by social and institutional forces.