Portret van Chilperik I van Frankrijk 1739

This is Gaspard Duchange’s small portrait of Chilperic I of France, made with etching. The dominant visual element is the oval frame, which contains a profile of Chilperic. The etched lines are precise, creating a sense of order and clarity, yet the texture of the lines also adds a layer of complexity. The use of line to define form and create shading is particularly evident in the face and the drapery, giving a sculptural quality. The king's crown and beard are meticulously detailed, emphasizing his status and power. Duchange uses a formal structure within a classical framework to situate the portrait. This portrait operates within a semiotic system where each element serves as a signifier of royal authority and historical legacy. The linear precision might be seen as an attempt to stabilize Chilperic’s image within a specific historical narrative. Yet, the subtle textures and gradients achieved through etching also hint at the ambiguities inherent in historical representation, where fixed meanings are continuously negotiated.