Augustin de Thou, president au Parlement 1605 - 1650

This is Jean Morin's portrait of Augustin de Thou, president au Parlement, made as an engraving. Immediately, one notices the oval frame that contains and defines the portrait. The texture is remarkably detailed, from the fur coat to the fine lines that define de Thou's face, creating a palpable sense of depth and volume. Morin’s strategic use of line and texture directs our gaze, but also speaks to the semiotic function of portraiture. The oval frame, inscribed with text, literally encloses the subject, marking him off as an object of scrutiny and admiration. Yet, this act of framing also raises questions about the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. How does Morin's technique both honor and objectify de Thou? Consider how such formal choices reflect the period's broader intellectual currents. The portrait presents us not just with an image, but with a structured, mediated representation, one that invites ongoing interpretation.