Louis-Sixte de Jarente de La Bruyère évêque d'Orléans (1706–1788) 1750 - 1786

Jean-Baptiste Nini created this terracotta medallion depicting Louis-Sixte de Jarente de La Bruyère, the Bishop of Orléans, likely in France during the latter half of the 18th century. The medallion encapsulates the visual codes of power and status prevalent at the time. As a bishop, La Bruyère held a significant position within the Catholic Church, an institution deeply intertwined with the political and social fabric of France. The Bishop's powdered wig and formal attire are visual signifiers of his social standing and authority. Nini’s choice of terracotta, a more accessible medium than marble or bronze, suggests a desire to circulate this image beyond the elite circles, which may have been a form of social commentary. Understanding the historical context of this piece requires an appreciation of the complex relationships between the Church, the aristocracy, and the burgeoning middle class in pre-revolutionary France. The artistic choices made by Nini can be further illuminated by archival research into the social networks. Such historical investigations can reveal the role of art in reflecting, reinforcing, or even challenging the social structures of its time.