Titel en 1 prent van een reeks bouwvallen 1732 - 1786

This print, titled “Titel en 1 prent van een reeks bouwvallen” was made by Jean Laurent Legeay, in the 18th century. Immediately, the oval composition draws our attention to the portrait set within it. Notice the concentric lines that form the backdrop, creating an almost hypnotic effect that highlights the Cardinal's face. The artist uses line work meticulously to define form and texture. The subject's robes, his hair, and even the subtle shadows on his face are rendered through dense, controlled strokes. This technique not only provides detail but also introduces a sense of depth and volume. The image is also framed by heraldic crests in the top corners. Structurally, the print employs a series of contrasts, using the smoothness of the oval to set off the angular forms of the cardinal's hat. Legeay sets up a visual semiotic system, where each element —from the hat, the robes, the crests— acts as a signifier of power, status, and ecclesiastical authority. This invites viewers to unpack the cultural codes and hierarchies embedded within the artwork.