Portret van Nicolas-Joseph Foucault 1698

Pieter van Schuppen created this engraving, "Portret van Nicolas-Joseph Foucault," likely in 1698, using line engraving. Notice how the composition is dominated by the oval frame, a formal device containing the portrait, which contrasts with the rectangular base. The portrait itself is an intricate play of textures, from the dense, swirling curls of Foucault's wig to the smoother planes of his face and garments. This visual tension between organic and geometric forms establishes a dynamic visual field. Consider how the inscription encircling the portrait operates semiotically, framing Foucault not merely as an individual but as a signifier of power and status within the French court. The formal structure thus transcends mere aesthetics, engaging with broader issues of representation and social hierarchy. The print prompts a re-evaluation of how portraiture functions, blurring the lines between personal likeness and the construction of public identity.