Portret van Guillaume de Lamoignon 1661

This is Nicolas de Larmessin's portrait of Guillaume de Lamoignon, made with etching, drypoint and engraving. Notice how the composition is structured around the oval frame that encloses the portrait, creating a sense of formality and containment. The interplay between line and texture is also crucial. Larmessin uses fine, delicate lines to define the facial features and hair of Lamoignon, while also employing denser, more varied lines to render the textures of his clothing. The contrast between these elements gives the portrait depth and visual interest, engaging with a semiotic system where clothing and presentation signify status and identity. The ribbons at the top are a signifier of celebration. These formal elements of line, texture, and frame create a complex interplay of meaning, reflecting the sitter’s identity and the artistic conventions of the time.