Portret van uitvinder Jacques de Vaucanson 1820 - 1827

This is a print of Jacques de Vaucanson, the celebrated inventor, created by Jean Pierre Sudre. De Vaucanson’s powdered wig and formal coat speak to his status and the values of the Enlightenment era. The circular frame around his portrait, however, resonates with ancient and recurring symbols. We see this ‘tondo’ shape in Renaissance paintings and even classical medallions. It signifies completeness, eternity – ideas that have been passed down through history, evolving with each use. In the Renaissance, the tondo form became popular for domestic settings, suggesting a humanist interest in bringing classical ideals into everyday life. Here, the shape invokes a sense of timelessness, elevating Vaucanson to the status of an enduring icon. The image, therefore, is not just a portrait but a statement about legacy, subtly connecting the inventor to a lineage of great thinkers and artists.