Portret van Henri François d'Aguesseau 1793 - 1897

This is a portrait of Henri François d'Aguesseau made by François Jacques Dequevauviller. The use of line and the stark contrast create a formal composition where the subject’s figure seems to emerge from the paper. The portrait is meticulously framed, yet this border is far from being a mere decoration. Its presence speaks to the enlightenment era’s emphasis on order and reason. The lines are finely etched, creating a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the subject's elaborate wig. The face is rendered with subtle shading, evoking a sense of intellect and introspection. The symmetry of the ornamental frame plays against the organic asymmetry of the face and wig, creating a visual tension. The portrait is both a record and an interpretation, challenging any fixed meaning of identity or representation.