Portret van Louis Hideux 1720 - 1738

This is Pierre Drevet's portrait of Louis Hideux, made using engraving techniques. The oval frame tightly encloses the figure, its Latin inscription emphasizing Hideux's titles and roles. Visually, the composition is dominated by a play of textures and tonal contrasts. The soft curls of Hideux’s wig are sharply juxtaposed against the smoother surfaces of his clerical robes. The engraver's precise lines create depth and volume, particularly in the drapery folds, offering a tactile quality to the image. The book, held almost casually, acts as a signifier of knowledge and authority, but it also anchors the figure within the frame. The balance of light and shadow not only models Hideux’s features but also imbues the portrait with a sense of solemnity. Through these formal elements, Drevet constructs a compelling image of intellectual and spiritual gravitas, reflecting the social and intellectual values of his time.