Philippe de Courcillon, Marquis de Dangeau c. 18th century

Curator: Pierre Drevet, born in 1663, made this engraving of Philippe de Courcillon, Marquis de Dangeau. Editor: My first thought is powdered wig! It's like a cloud settled on his head. Curator: Wigs were symbols of status, emblems that visually communicated identity, power, and belonging. This Marquis is signaling his place in the French court. Editor: It's amazing how clothing and accessories can perform identity—even obscure the individual underneath, don't you think? Curator: Absolutely. The visual language is rich here. It speaks to a deep-seated human impulse to project authority through symbolic means. Editor: It all seems so theatrical, a carefully staged performance of self. Curator: And perhaps that's the point. Life as theater, where the symbols we choose define our roles. Editor: Well, I'm off to deconstruct my own symbols now—starting with my messy bun. Thanks for the insight!