Portrait of P. Procureur 1740 - 1780

Guillaume Thiemet made this portrait of P. Procureur using etching and engraving techniques. It gives us a glimpse into the world of 18th-century portraiture and French society during that period. The subject's clothing is intriguing, perhaps hinting at his profession or social standing. It invites us to consider the norms and expectations placed upon individuals within the rigid social hierarchies of the time. How did one's attire affect their identity and interactions? The sitter's slightly unnerving smile creates a certain tension. Is it a genuine expression or a carefully constructed facade? Perhaps this reveals some hidden aspect of his personality or desires. In those days portraits often served as a way to project a desired image. The piece lets us question these constructed identities. It's a reminder that identity is often performative, shaped by social expectations.