Portret van Koenraad I van Franken 1755 - 1765

Jean Pelletier created this portrait of Koenraad I van Franken using etching sometime in the 18th century. During this period, the artistic and intellectual movement of the Enlightenment was in full swing, with an emphasis on reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional authority. Here, Koenraad is framed within an oval border, a subtle nod to classical portraiture. The etching technique allows for meticulous detail, highlighting the subject’s features and attire. He is depicted wearing a laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and honor. The inscription in French beneath the portrait indicates Koenraad I’s reign began in 912 and that he died on June 30, 919. The artwork is not just a representation of a historical figure but also embodies the values and aesthetics of its own time. It reflects a desire to connect with and celebrate figures from the past, fitting into an ongoing narrative of leadership and power, viewed through the lens of the Enlightenment.