Portret van Jean de La Fontaine 1823

Alexandre Massard created this print of Jean de La Fontaine sometime after his birth in 1777. It depicts the famous French fabulist, Jean de la Fontaine, who lived in the 17th century. Note how La Fontaine is framed within an oval, a classical reference that elevates his status, while his gaze is cast slightly off-center, perhaps suggesting his introspective nature. Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture of this era, where representation was often a privilege of the elite. The details of his clothing, the elaborate wig, and the soft rendering of his features contribute to the image of a refined intellectual. Massard's print, made long after La Fontaine's death, speaks to the enduring cultural legacy and the construction of historical memory. It's an intimate portrayal, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between image, identity, and historical narrative.