Ung mand 1726 - 1748

David Gardelle created this miniature portrait of an unknown young man using watercolour on ivory in the 18th century. Miniature portraits like this one were very fashionable in the 1700s, particularly among the upper classes in countries like France and England. These paintings would be housed in lockets or small cases, and would function like photographs do today. They were given as keepsakes to lovers, family members and friends. Here, the sitter's soft features and elaborate wig are typical of Rococo portraiture, which was the dominant style at this time. Rococo art focused on portraying a life of leisure, wealth, and beauty. It was often used to legitimize the power of the elite. But as the French Revolution approached, art began to challenge these established social norms. By understanding the historical and institutional contexts of Gardelle's work, we can better understand the politics of imagery. We use historical records, museum archives, and contemporary writings, to understand the society in which the artist and sitter lived.