Portret van Anne-Jules de Noailles 1838 - 1841

J. Leclerc created this portrait of Anne-Jules de Noailles as an engraving; a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The striking detail achieved through engraving lends a tactile quality to the image. Look closely at the texture of de Noailles' elaborate wig, the rich fabrics of his clothing, and the intricate details of his military garb. These details speak to the importance of craftsmanship and the skilled labor required to produce such refined objects. The portrait is not just an image of wealth and power; it's an index of the labor and materials that enabled such a lifestyle. Consider the social context of this image – the engraver painstakingly translating status into a medium that could be distributed and consumed. It’s a fascinating insight into the political economy of representation.