Portret van Béat Jacques II de Zurlauben 1770 - 1831

This is Claude Niquet’s portrait of Béat Jacques II de Zurlauben. The print captures Zurlauben, a Count from a Swiss family, who served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the King’s army. The portrait is presented within a circular frame, a common artistic device used to ennoble the sitter, reminiscent of classical medallions honoring emperors and heroes. Zurlauben’s androgynous appearance – his long, flowing hair and soft features – stands in stark contrast to the armor he wears. It presents an interesting challenge to conventional ideas about masculinity and power. Consider the historical context: European society was highly stratified, and identity was often performed through dress and social rituals. Zurlauben’s portrait, with its emphasis on his noble status and military achievements, reflects the importance of lineage and service in the 17th and 18th centuries. Yet, the softness of his features and the almost feminine quality of his hair complicate this picture, suggesting a tension between the demands of masculinity and the realities of individual identity.