The canon of the cathedral of Reims 

Maurice Quentin de La Tour captured this man, a canon of Reims, with pastels. His clerical collar speaks volumes about his position within the Church, an emblem not just of office but of spiritual dedication. This symbol of ecclesiastical authority appears across centuries, from medieval frescoes to Renaissance portraits, each time subtly altered. It signifies a bridge between the earthly and the divine, a role laden with expectations and responsibilities. Think of the simple robes worn by monks in early Christian art, transformed over time into the elaborate vestments of the powerful clergy. There’s a psychological weight here too; the canon’s gaze, calm yet knowing, hints at the internal negotiations between faith, duty, and personal conviction. These symbols echo through history, constantly reshaped by the changing currents of belief and power.