Maréchal Jacques II de Castelnau-Mauvissiève, Marquis de Castelnau 1658

Curator: Here we see Robert Nanteuil’s portrait of Maréchal Jacques II de Castelnau-Mauvissière, Marquis de Castelnau, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The marquis is framed within an oval, a visual metaphor, perhaps, for the containment of power? Editor: It's striking how the formality of the armor and the inscription are juxtaposed with that almost languid expression and flowing hair. There’s a tension there. Curator: Nanteuil was a master of capturing the essence of status through carefully chosen symbols. The armor, of course, represents military might, but even the elaborate frame speaks volumes. Editor: Right, and Castelnau held significant titles, so he's performing this image of power, even while conveying a certain weariness. It makes me wonder about the realities of leadership in that era. Curator: The weight of those symbols, both literally and figuratively, is what resonates with me. Editor: Yes, a reminder that even in art, identities are constructed through power dynamics.