Portret van Jean-François Regnard 1793 - 1848

François Jacques Dequevauviller created this portrait of Jean-François Regnard. While we don't know the exact date of its creation, Dequevauviller lived during a period marked by significant social and political upheaval following the French Revolution. This portrait offers a glimpse into the world of French intellectual and artistic circles. Regnard, with his elaborate wig and refined attire, embodies the image of the accomplished playwright. Yet, such representations often mask the complex intersections of identity and power at play. What does it mean to portray someone in this way? How does it reflect or reinforce societal hierarchies of the time? Dequevauviller’s portrait invites us to reflect on the relationship between representation and identity, prompting us to consider how portraits both reflect and shape our understanding of individuals and their place in society. It challenges us to consider whose stories are told and how they are remembered.