Portret van Charles de Sainte-Maure c. 1650 - 1689

Jacques Grignon created this portrait of Charles de Sainte-Maure using engraving techniques in the 17th century. Charles, styled as a Duke, is depicted wearing armor, an ornate lace collar, and a full wig – symbols of status and power in the French court. It is important to remember that portraiture during this time often served as a form of political messaging, reinforcing the subject's authority and lineage. Sainte-Maure's attire and the inscribed text emphasize his noble status and his role within French society. The artist's careful attention to detail in rendering Sainte-Maure's features and attire suggests an intention to immortalize the subject in a way that conveys dignity and authority. The portrait gives us a glimpse into the world of aristocratic identity and the visual strategies employed to maintain social hierarchies. As viewers, we might reflect on the legacy of such images and how they continue to influence our understanding of power, status, and representation today.