Portret van Ponce-François Copette als Abraham Francen 1759

This etching, made by Claude Henri Watelet, depicts Ponce-François Copette in the guise of Abraham Francen. But why cast a contemporary figure as an artist from the past? The image invokes a complex dialogue between the present and art history, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of 18th-century France. At this time, institutions like the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture shaped artistic tastes, promoting classical ideals and established hierarchies. Watelet's decision to portray Copette as Francen invites us to consider the public role of art and the politics of imagery in a society that was becoming increasingly self-aware. The setting—a well-lit interior with artistic accoutrements—suggests a reverence for artistic tradition. The print invites questions about how artists perceived their place within a lineage, and whether they sought to challenge or reinforce the prevailing norms. To understand this print fully, a historian might look at exhibition records, artists' correspondence, and critical reviews. Only then can we appreciate the social conditions that shaped its production and reception.