Portret van Armand Thomas Hue de Miromesnil c. 1775

This finely detailed portrait of Armand Thomas Hue de Miromesnil was created by François Hubert in the late 16th or early 17th century. Executed with precise lines, the print presents its subject encased in a framed oval, elevated above inscriptions and heraldic symbols. Hubert masterfully employs the graphic medium to define texture and form. The intricate wig, rendered with tightly curled lines, contrasts with the smooth, open planes of the face. This tension draws the eye, creating a focal point that is both aesthetic and symbolic. The oval frame, itself adorned with laurel leaves, adds a layer of classical allusion, suggesting virtues and achievements. Consider how the formal structure reinforces societal hierarchies. The subject's elevated position within the frame and the heraldic emblems below communicate status, engaging with contemporary notions of power and representation. This portrait is not merely a likeness but a carefully constructed statement about identity and authority.