Portrait of Duval de l'Epinoy 1745

Here we see Maurice Quentin de La Tour’s pastel portrait of Duval de l'Epinoy, offering us a glimpse into the world of the 18th-century French elite. The portrait is rendered in exquisite detail, showcasing the lavish attire and cultivated leisure of the sitter. Duval de l'Epinoy is depicted amidst symbols of wealth and intellectual pursuit. Yet, this image is more than a display of status. In the context of pre-revolutionary France, portraits like this played a crucial role in constructing and reinforcing social hierarchies. The soft pastels and delicate rendering speak to a culture of refinement, but also one of exclusion. Consider the absence of women, people of color, or the working class in these visual narratives. What stories remain untold when only a select few are granted visibility and representation?