Portret van Guillaume Chartier 1755 - 1765

This is a portrait of Guillaume Chartier, Bishop of Paris, made by René Gaillard as an engraving. Religious portraiture like this played an important role in visualizing the church's power structure. Made in France, it shows us how the church used imagery to reinforce its authority. Chartier is depicted in his elaborate vestments, symbols of his high office. Consider how the engraver's skill in rendering these details conveys a sense of grandeur and importance. But it's important to remember that this image is also a product of its time, the 18th century. By studying church records, and Gaillard's other engravings, we might ask about the relationship between the church, the monarchy, and the art market in France. Studying the archives can tell us about the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of this portrait and its role within the broader politics of imagery.