Portret van burgemeester Cousebant 1661

Jean Lenfant created this portrait of Mayor Cousebant using a printmaking technique sometime between 1615 and 1674. The portrait immortalizes a figure of power, typical of the era, but it also invites us to consider the complexities of identity and representation in 17th-century society. Consider the Mayor’s attire. The somber robes and dignified pose reflect his status and authority within the community. Yet, this carefully constructed image also speaks to the limitations placed on individuals, particularly those in positions of power, to conform to certain expectations of dress and behavior. What aspects of his identity might be suppressed or overlooked in this formal depiction? Lenfant's print encourages us to think about the relationship between public persona and private self, and how societal roles shape our understanding of identity. It reminds us that portraits are not just records of appearance, but also reflections of the values and power structures of their time.