Portret van Bertrand d'Argentré 1604

Thomas de Leu created this portrait of Bertrand d’Argentré in the late 16th or early 17th century. During this time, portraiture was critical in establishing a sitter's identity and social status. Here, d’Argentré, a prominent jurist and historian, is portrayed with symbols of his status and personal motto. The Latin inscription below the image indicates the importance of his role as president in Rennes. But it's not just about status, is it? Look at the details: the intricate patterns of his doublet, the fur trim of his robe, and the aristocratic details of his beard and hair. De Leu captured not just a likeness, but the markers of class and intellect that defined d’Argentré’s place in society. The symbols surrounding the image – a coat of arms and the lamp – indicate the values and aspirations associated with nobility and learning. These symbols frame the emotional resonance of the work which reflects the complex interplay of identity, power, and representation in early modern Europe.