Claude Le Blanc c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Pierre Drevet's engraving of Claude Le Blanc. The strong lines and the way Le Blanc's hair contrasts with the background give it such a formal, almost staged quality. What sociopolitical narratives do you see at play here? Curator: It's crucial to consider the context. Le Blanc was Minister and Secretary of State for War. Drevet's engraving isn't just a portrait; it's a visual assertion of power and status in a society deeply stratified by class. How does the Latin inscription "Adversis rerum immutabilis undis" play into this portrayal of power? Editor: It’s like a claim of stability in the face of adversity, almost propaganda. Curator: Exactly! These images shaped public perception and reinforced the existing power structures of the time. Thinking about who had access to these prints, and how they were circulated is key. Editor: I see it now—art as an active participant in the societal hierarchy. Thanks! Curator: Precisely! Understanding art’s role in upholding or challenging those structures is vital.