Portrait of Guillaume-Thomas Raynal 1773

Augustin de Saint-Aubin created this print, Portrait of Guillaume-Thomas Raynal, using etching and engraving techniques. The oval composition, framed by a stone-like border, immediately draws the eye to the profile of Raynal. The stark contrast of light and shadow models his features, giving them a sculptural quality. Saint-Aubin's technical skill is evident in the meticulous cross-hatching which defines form and texture, from the intricate curls of Raynal's wig to the subtle gradations of tone across his face. Note the semiotic system at play here. The wig, clothing, and frame act as visual signifiers that communicate status and intellect during the Enlightenment. The linear precision and ordered composition reflect the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and clarity. The artwork's formal qualities, with its structured lines and balanced contrasts, mirror the intellectual ideals of the period and offer insight into the subject's persona as a man of letters.