Portret van Nicolas Potier de Novion 1679

Antoine Masson created this portrait of Nicolas Potier de Novion using engraving, a printmaking technique, in the 17th century. It was a time when portraiture served not only to capture likeness, but also to assert social status and project an image of power. Nicolas Potier de Novion, a prominent figure in French society, is depicted here cloaked in the luxurious symbols of his rank and profession. The ermine trim of his robes and the elaborate wig speak to his affluence, while the medal signifies his affiliation with a noble order, reinforcing the idea of hereditary privilege. Masson's engraving technique allows for meticulous detail, emphasizing the texture of the fabrics and the contours of Novion's face. Consider how portraits like this not only immortalized individuals, but also promoted the values of their class. The portrait participates in a visual language that equates status with moral virtue, a narrative carefully constructed and consumed by the elite of the time. How does this image make you feel about the structures of power in 17th century France?