Chancelier Le Tellier 1635 - 1678

Robert Nanteuil created this engraving of Chancelier Le Tellier. Note the laurel wreath encircling the portrait, an ancient symbol of victory and honor, hearkening back to classical antiquity when emperors and triumphant athletes were crowned with laurel. This motif persists through the ages, reappearing in Renaissance paintings to signify the subject’s achievements and virtue. Here, it frames Le Tellier, imbuing him with an aura of authority, success, and timeless glory. The star on his cloak is reminiscent of celestial symbols, signifying divine favor or enlightenment. Such symbols tap into our collective memory. These archetypes evoke deep-seated emotions and associations, compelling us to recognize and respond to the subject's power and prestige. Just as laurel wreaths once crowned Roman emperors, here they crown a man of state. The enduring power of symbols lies in their ability to traverse time, uniting past and present in a continuous narrative of human aspiration and cultural memory.