Portret van Charles Perrault 1675

Etienne Baudet created this print of Charles Perrault, likely during Perrault's lifetime. The portrait presents Perrault in an oval frame, set above a rectangular pedestal, an architectural device that lends the image a sense of classical formality. The composition emphasizes a visual tension between the curves of the oval and the sharp lines of the rectangle. This interplay suggests a dialogue between classical ideals, represented by the geometric shapes, and the individual, captured within the portrait. Notice how Baudet uses line and shading to model Perrault’s features, creating a sense of depth and texture. The inscription circling the portrait functions as a signifier, encoding the sitter's identity and status, while the coat of arms on the pedestal may allude to his family history. Consider how such a formal composition reflects the values of the era, where portraits often served to convey status. The structure of the image, with its geometric forms and careful attention to detail, elevates Perrault into a figure of lasting cultural significance.