Pierre de Moucheron (1508-67), his Wife Isabeau de Gerbier, their eighteen Children, their Son-in-Law Allard de la Dale and their first Grandchild 1563

This family portrait was painted anonymously and features Pierre de Moucheron, his wife, their eighteen children, son-in-law, and first grandchild. The composition is strikingly linear, dominated by the horizontal table and frieze-like arrangement of figures. This structure creates a sense of order and rigid formality, with each individual rendered in meticulous detail. Notice how the artist used contrasting dark colors for the clothing against the lighter faces to create a pattern, guiding our eye across the tableau. The texture is smooth and polished, giving the artwork a glossy, almost porcelain-like finish. This piece functions less as a candid depiction of family life and more as a symbolic representation of lineage, status, and prosperity. The arrangement of figures and the inclusion of certain objects, like musical instruments, signify the family’s cultural and social standing, emphasizing the values of genealogy and societal position. It’s a fascinating insight into how families sought to portray themselves, solidifying their place in history and society through art.