Portret van Jean-Baptiste Jacques Gimat de Bonneval 1758 - 1804

Editor: So, this is an engraving, "Portret van Jean-Baptiste Jacques Gimat de Bonneval," dating somewhere between 1758 and 1804. It's by Jean-Baptiste Michel, here at the Rijksmuseum. What really strikes me is the theatricality; it's like a stage set, with that ornate frame and the miniature scene below. What stands out to you? Curator: The symbolic layering speaks volumes. It's more than just a portrait; it’s a statement about identity, profession, and social standing. Notice how the oval frame resembles a mirror, reflecting not just Gimat de Bonneval's likeness, but also the persona he cultivates as a "Comedien ordinaire du Roy". Editor: Yes, I see that. And the masks just below the portrait... Curator: Precisely. The masks are key symbols! Masks representing comedy and tragedy, suggest his range as an actor, but also the performative aspect of identity itself. Doesn't this play with the idea of concealing and revealing aspects of self? And consider the tiny scene beneath—it invites a narrative reading. What does it suggest to you? Editor: It seems intimate, like a glimpse into a writer's room, a moment of solitary work. So, the entire engraving is almost like a collection of images telling us different aspects about the man: the performer versus the private individual? Curator: Exactly! Think about how these images worked together for audiences then. The cultural memory tied to the theater, the weight of royal patronage, the understanding of portraiture as a carefully constructed image - it’s all layered in. And, if Bonneval has any real-life accomplishments of note, it may act as another symbol as to who he truly is. Editor: It is fascinating how many details tell us so much, now that I can look closely and know what to see. Thanks for sharing this! Curator: Indeed, it reveals how visual symbols are a part of this cultural memory, echoing meanings across centuries.