Henry de Beringhen Premier Ecuyer du Roy et Chevalier de ses Ordres Gouverneur des Citadelles de Marseille, 1710 1710

In 1710, Benoit Audran the Elder created this engraving of Henry de Beringhen, a prominent figure in the court of Louis XIV. Beringhen's identity was deeply intertwined with the French monarchy. He held significant titles such as First Equerry to the King, Knight of the Royal Orders, and Governor of the Citadels of Marseille. The portrait provides a window into the rigid social hierarchies of the time, where status was visibly displayed through dress and heraldry. The elaborate lace collar, the flowing wig, and the heraldic symbols at the bottom of the engraving were all markers of Beringhen’s noble status. Audran's work immortalizes Beringhen, but also embodies the structures of power and privilege inherent in the French court. The emotional impact of this piece lies in its stoic formality. It invites us to consider the personal cost of such a highly structured existence, where identity was as much a performance of status as it was an individual expression.