Portret van Gilles de Maupeou I 1755 - 1765

This is Sébastien Pinssio’s portrait of Gilles de Maupeou I, rendered with lines etched into a plate. The artist captures the contours of his subject’s face and costume within a contained oval shape. The subject gazes to the right, a common directional choice in portraiture that suggests a forward-looking or contemplative mood. Note how the crisp lines and the hatching technique create subtle gradations of light and shadow, lending depth to the figure’s features. The crown and fur trim are meticulously detailed, underscoring the sitter's status. Yet, the lines are not merely descriptive; they delineate space and form, transforming the subject into a network of interlocking shapes and patterns. The oval frame, in its own way, acts as a signifier of formality, suggesting a controlled presentation of the individual within social conventions. It encourages us to consider the interplay between representation and reality. It reminds us that portraiture is not merely a reflection of appearance but a carefully constructed statement about identity and position.