Portret van Charles graaf van Mayenne 1755

This print, created by Michel Aubert, depicts Charles, Count of Mayenne, and it was likely produced in France during the 18th century. Aubert’s detailed engraving presents Mayenne, a significant figure in French nobility, within an oval frame, emphasizing his status and importance. The careful rendering of his attire, complete with the chain and emblems of his office, speaks to the visual codes of power and social hierarchy prevalent in that era. Prints such as these circulated widely in French society and were essential in constructing and disseminating images of authority. The inscription below the portrait further cements Mayenne's identity, listing his titles and accomplishments, reinforcing the social structures of the time. Understanding the cultural and institutional context of this print requires looking at archival materials, such as genealogical records, to better understand the social networks in which Aubert operated. Art history reminds us that images like these are never neutral; they actively shape our understanding of the past.