F. de Verthamon, comte de Villemenon c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Grignon's portrait of F. de Verthamon, comte de Villemenon. It’s an engraving, likely dating from the late 17th century, around the time Grignon was active. The Harvard Art Museums hold this sheet, measuring about 31 by 25 centimeters. Editor: The swirling lines give it a sort of contained, stately feel, doesn't it? Even the subject's hair feels like it's holding itself with dignity. Curator: Indeed. Portraits like this were crucial for solidifying status. Villemenon's clothing marks his place in the court, and the Latin inscription around the oval further emphasizes his societal role. Editor: The oval itself, with the inscription looping around, suggests cyclical power, generation after generation. And the heraldry below reinforces that deeply rooted authority. Curator: These visual cues weren’t accidental. Grignon, as the engraver, understood the importance of propagating a certain image of power and legitimacy. Editor: It's fascinating how a single image can pack so much symbolic weight! It really gets one thinking about how the ruling class want to be seen.