Portret van Charles Louis Auguste Fouquet de Belle-Isle 1715 - 1792

Gabriel Bodenehr created this portrait of Charles Louis Auguste Fouquet de Belle-Isle sometime between 1700 and 1800. It offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of power and aristocracy during the 18th century. Fouquet de Belle-Isle, a Duke and Marshal of France, is depicted in a way that reinforces his status through symbols of wealth, military achievements, and noble lineage. These images, often commissioned by the sitters themselves, were tools for constructing and broadcasting identity within a highly stratified society. Consider the emotional landscape of this image. The portrait is not merely a depiction of a man, but an embodiment of power, privilege, and perhaps, the weight of responsibility that came with such a high position in society. Fouquet de Belle-Isle is portrayed as a leader, his gaze and posture designed to evoke respect and authority. But what does it mean to perform such a role, and what personal sacrifices might it entail? This work serves not only as a record of a powerful figure but also as a reflection on the performance of identity and the societal structures that shaped it.