Portret van Hyacinthe Rigaud 1666 - 1707

This is Gérard Edelinck’s portrait of Hyacinthe Rigaud. It was created with engraving. The image transports us to a time when portraiture was the domain of the elite, reflecting the sitter’s status and the prevailing social hierarchies. Edelinck, who himself was ennobled, captures Rigaud, a fellow artist, amidst symbols of his profession. Notice the tools of Rigaud’s trade and the sculpture, signaling the intellectual environment in which Rigaud operated. Rigaud's success was deeply entwined with his ability to portray the aristocracy and royalty. In those portraits, how did Rigaud navigate the expectations of his patrons while also expressing his artistic vision? This image is not merely a likeness but a statement about the power and prestige associated with artistic production. It prompts us to consider the complex interplay between art, patronage, and social identity in the 17th century. What stories do we tell about ourselves through art?