François de Vendôme, Duc de Beaufort 1648 - 1650

Curator: This is Robert Nanteuil's portrait of François de Vendôme, Duke of Beaufort. Editor: The tonality is amazing; look at the contrast and detail in the armor and lace, all rendered in incredibly fine lines. Curator: Nanteuil was the portraitist of choice among the French aristocracy, and Beaufort, a naval hero during Louis XIV's reign, was an ideal subject. This engraving allowed his image to circulate widely, solidifying his heroic image. Editor: Notice how the light glints off of the highly polished armor, lending the Duke an almost god-like presence. And that luxuriant wig! Curator: It’s a powerful statement of status. This image functioned as a form of propaganda, linking Beaufort's personal grandeur to the glory of the French crown. Editor: A beautiful balance of artistry and political messaging, indeed! Curator: A powerful example of how art shapes our understanding of historical figures.