Charles de Gontaut, Duke of Biron 

Thomas de Leu created this engraving of Charles de Gontaut, Duke of Biron, in France around the turn of the seventeenth century. The Duke is presented within an oval frame, identified by his title, dressed in armor. Below the image, a French inscription praises him as a victor, a brother of Mars, and a supporter of the King. Such prints served important social functions in early modern Europe. They helped to visualize and disseminate the image of powerful individuals, reinforcing their status and authority. The Duke's armor and the references to Mars associate him with military prowess, an important attribute for a noble in this period of frequent warfare. The inscription also links him to the French crown, emphasizing his loyalty and service to the state. Engravings like this offer valuable insights into the social and political landscape of the time. By examining such images alongside other historical sources – letters, diaries, administrative records – historians can shed light on the complex interplay between art, power, and society in early modern France.