Portret van André le Nôtre 1692

This is Antoine Masson's portrait of André le Nôtre, created with burin and etching in France during the late 17th century. This image provides an insight into the institutional and social standing of artists during the reign of Louis XIV. Le Nôtre, recognizable by his aristocratic attire and the prominent Order of Saint Michael, was not just a gardener, but the Controller-General of Buildings to the King. This position highlights the complex relationship between art, power, and status within the French court. The meticulous detail of the engraving, from the lace cuffs to the elaborate wig, signifies the importance of visual codes in conveying social rank. Le Nôtre's role extended beyond aesthetics; he was instrumental in shaping the landscape of royal authority, literally and figuratively. Understanding the social and institutional context of this portrait requires research into the archives of the French court, the records of the Order of Saint Michael, and studies of landscape architecture in the age of absolutism. These resources help us see the cultural and political work being done by art in this era.