Portrait of Pierre Cadeau de Mongazon c. 1720

Nicolas de Largillière painted this portrait of Pierre Cadeau de Mongazon. It’s hard to look at this image without thinking about questions of power, class, and identity in 17th- and 18th-century France. Mongazon, enveloped in rich fabrics and adorned with an elaborate wig, embodies the opulence of the French aristocracy. But this portrait also suggests the complex relationship between outward appearances and inner identity. The male aristocratic identity of the time was constructed through performances of masculinity, wealth, and status. In this context, Largillière's portrait invites us to consider how Mongazon performs his identity. Is he adhering to the norms of his time, or is he subtly subverting them? The softness of his gaze, combined with the luxurious details of his attire, creates a sense of vulnerability beneath the surface of power. Ultimately, this portrait serves as a reminder that identity is not fixed but is rather a fluid and negotiated performance.