Portret van monsieur Voiture 1670 - 1725

Michiel van der Gucht's print immortalizes Monsieur Voiture, showcasing the fashion of his time. The flowing hair, a symbol of virility and status, cascades around Voiture’s shoulders. This emblem of power echoes through centuries, reminiscent of ancient depictions of gods and heroes, where hair signified strength and freedom. Consider, too, the evolution of such symbols. In ancient Greece, long hair might denote a philosopher, while in Voiture’s era, it marks a man of letters and courtly sophistication. The human desire to express oneself, to emulate or differentiate, fuels the cyclical return and reinvention of these motifs. The subtle smile hints at his inner life, inviting us into his world. Perhaps it is a reflection of Voiture's self-assurance, a desire for acknowledgment or even immortality. Symbols become vessels of our shared hopes and anxieties, repeating through time.