Portret van François Michel le Tellier 1691

Jacob Gole's 1691 etching, "Portret van François Michel le Tellier," depicts a caricatured portrait of the French statesman François Michel le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois, within a circular frame. The artwork is a satirical portrayal, showcasing Louvois's physical features in a distorted manner, potentially reflecting contemporary public perception of the minister. The image is accompanied by a French inscription which translates to "Hero in war and in the Church. I execute throughout the orders of my King. I fill France with fear, and I put Calvin in a shirt." This satirical print highlights the political tensions of the time, especially those related to the religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. The piece, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the artistic and political landscape of 17th-century France.