Portret van Emmanuel Thesaurus 1677 - 1718

Louis David created this print of Emmanuel Thesaurus, likely in France during the late 17th or early 18th century, using etching techniques. In this period, portraiture served specific social functions. Etchings like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perception and preserving the images of influential figures, like Thesaurus, for posterity. Note the clear inscription. The work and its presentation are designed to convey social status. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. To truly understand its impact, one needs to delve into the cultural and institutional history of the time. What was the role of portraiture in solidifying social hierarchies? How did institutions like the court and the academy influence artistic production and consumption? These are the types of questions art historians seek to answer. By exploring archives and libraries, we can uncover the rich historical context that brings this image to life.