André Hercules, Cardinal de Fleury 1730

Curator: Here we have Pierre Drevet's print of André Hercules, Cardinal de Fleury, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The sheet measures approximately 51 by 38 centimeters. Editor: My first impression is the incredible detail in the rendering of the cardinal's robes. The way the light plays across the fabric... it's almost tactile. Curator: Absolutely. Drevet was a master of capturing textures and surfaces through engraving. This image served a crucial role in disseminating Fleury's power; prints like these were essential tools for projecting influence throughout the French court. Editor: It's fascinating how Drevet used his tools to mimic the luxurious textiles. I'm curious about the labor involved in creating such an intricate work, especially the economic implications for printmakers like Drevet. Curator: Indeed. And it’s a valuable reminder that even seemingly straightforward portraits carry significant social and political weight. Editor: Thinking about process and the role of dissemination really shifts my understanding of the image.