Portret van Anne Jules hertog van Noailles 1670 - 1713

This is Pieter Schenk's portrait of Anne Jules, Duke of Noailles, made as an engraving sometime between 1670 and 1711. Schenk, who was from Germany but active in Amsterdam, specialized in these types of portrait prints. The Duke, a prominent figure in the French military and aristocracy, is depicted here with all the markers of his high status: elaborate wig, ornate armor, and a lavish sash, all rendered with meticulous detail. But this isn't just a display of wealth and power; it is a carefully constructed image of identity. In a society defined by rigid social hierarchies, portraiture served to reinforce and legitimize the subject’s position. Consider how the Duke's pose and attire communicate not only his individual importance, but also the values of his class: honor, duty, and martial prowess. Schenk’s engraving captures not just a likeness, but a performance of identity deeply embedded in the social and political context of the time. How do you think such an image shapes our understanding of power and privilege in the late 17th century?