Louis II de Bourbon 

Michel Lasne created this engraving of Louis II de Bourbon during a period defined by aristocratic power and its intricate relationship with the monarchy. Louis II, Prince of Condé, was a figure of immense power in 17th-century France, known both for his military prowess and his involvement in the Fronde, a series of civil wars challenging royal authority. This portrait is more than a simple depiction; it’s a careful construction of identity and authority. Note how Lasne uses the traditional laurel wreath and the family crest to reinforce Condé’s status. The armor conveys the Prince's military might, yet the soft curls and open collar hint at a cultivated persona, revealing the complex intersection of masculinity and power within the French aristocracy. Portraits like this played a crucial role in shaping the perception and legacy of individuals like Condé, serving as both historical records and carefully crafted statements of identity.