Portrait of René François de Beauveau du Rivau 1727

Pierre Drevet created this print of René François de Beauveau in France. It pictures a member of the French upper class, and as such, can be seen as an artifact of the French social system. The image creates meaning through the visual codes of the time. The sitter's clothing indicates his status as an archbishop. The book he holds, the plush chair, and the curtained window, all indicate his wealth and worldliness. France at this time was a society defined by class. Those in positions of power, such as the clergy, enjoyed a privileged status. Institutions such as the church had great influence on French society, including artistic production. Historical research can help us understand this image more fully and to understand the social conditions that shaped the production of art. By examining the institutions that supported artists like Drevet, we can better understand the place of art in French society. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.