Samuel Bernard, Chevalier de l'ordre de Saint Michel, comte de Coubert 1729

Curator: Pierre Drevet, who lived from 1663 to 1738, created this print titled "Samuel Bernard, Chevalier de l'ordre de Saint Michel, comte de Coubert". Editor: Wow, my first thought is, what a commanding presence! Even in monochrome, he just radiates power. Curator: Indeed. The portrait uses symbols of wealth and status to communicate Bernard's importance as a financier and advisor. Consider the ships at sea and the globe beside him, alluding to trade and global power. Editor: That globe! It's almost comically oversized, a bit like saying, "Oh, this old thing? Just a minor detail of my global influence!" But I do like the way the composition uses light and shadow to highlight his face, even with that magnificent wig. Curator: Wigs were a signifier of status, but here it almost obscures individuality. This is typical of portraiture of the era, which prioritized representing social position and power. Editor: But isn’t there a bit of theatre to it as well? A slight arrogance. I almost want to whisper, "Alright, alright, we get it, you're important." Curator: Perhaps. However, Drevet was also catering to the expectations of his patron and audience. Editor: Still, it makes me wonder about the real Samuel Bernard behind all those symbols. What was he like, beyond the wig and the title? Curator: That's where art history and speculation meet. We can analyze the symbolism, but the human element remains tantalizingly out of reach. Editor: Absolutely. And that's what keeps us looking.