Ferdinand de Neufville 1638 - 1658

Editor: This is Robert Nanteuil’s portrait of Ferdinand de Neufville. It's undated, but it's at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels very official, almost like a state portrait. What can you tell me about the social context of this piece? Curator: Well, Nanteuil was Louis XIV’s official engraver, so his portraits are definitely tied to the French court. The framing device and the coat of arms are important here; what do they suggest about the subject’s role and status? Editor: It makes him seem important; the laurel wreath is usually associated with victory or accomplishment. So, Nanteuil used visual cues to signal social standing? Curator: Exactly. He's not just depicting an individual; he's constructing a public image, reinforcing the power structures of the time. It's fascinating how art serves to bolster these hierarchies. Editor: It’s amazing how much is communicated about social roles through art. Thanks for sharing that!