Portret van François de Beauvilliers duc de Saint-Aignan 1663

Nicolas de Larmessin I created this print of François de Beauvilliers, Duc de Saint-Aignan, sometime in the 17th century. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perception and solidifying the status of the aristocratic elite during the Baroque era. Consider how the Duke's armor and elaborate wig underscore his noble identity. Even the mole on his face adds to his characterization. As a member of the French court, Saint-Aignan was at the center of power, navigating a complex web of political and social expectations. Aristocratic men were expected to embody both military prowess and refined cultural tastes. Saint-Aignan was a military leader, and a courtier known for his wit and literary interests. Prints like this were instrumental in constructing and disseminating idealized images of masculinity, reinforcing the patriarchal structures of the time. This portrait immortalizes the sitter, but also invites us to consider the performance of identity and the social forces that shaped it.