Portret van Pierre Bordier de Rincy, Intendant des Finances 1657

This is a 17th-century portrait print made by Pieter van Schuppen in Paris, depicting Pierre Bordier de Rincy, an Intendant des Finances, or financial administrator. The portrait speaks to the social and political structures of its time. In 17th-century France, patronage and portraiture were crucial tools for solidifying power. Note the trappings of status: Bordier’s clothing, his powdered wig, and the heraldic crest, all telegraph his position within the French court. As Intendant des Finances, Bordier held significant power in the French state, overseeing financial matters for the monarchy. The fact that he had his portrait made and circulated suggests a desire to reinforce his status. To understand the full implications of this image, we might consult archival records of the French court, genealogical databases, and studies of portraiture and patronage in 17th-century France. Art like this is a window into a complex web of social, economic, and institutional relationships.