Charles-Maurice Le Tellier, Archevêque-Duc de Reims 1664

Editor: This is Robert Nanteuil's portrait of Charles-Maurice Le Tellier, an engraving. It’s striking how the subject's gaze seems both direct and distant. What symbols do you see embedded within this image? Curator: Note the coat of arms beneath the portrait. Heraldry was a potent language, communicating lineage, power, and allegiances. Think of the symbols as a visual resume, instantly placing Le Tellier within a complex web of family, status, and authority. How does the use of this symbolism affect your understanding of the subject? Editor: It certainly adds a layer of formality and emphasizes his status, making him more than just an individual. Curator: Precisely. Nanteuil masterfully used established visual codes to construct an image deeply rooted in cultural memory. This portrait preserves not just a likeness, but a whole world of meaning. Editor: I see how Nanteuil uses symbols to connect Le Tellier to a broader historical narrative. Thanks!