Victor de Riquety, marquis de Mirabeau 1758

Editor: This is Antoine de Marcenay de Ghuy’s portrait of Victor de Riquety, Marquis de Mirabeau. It's a print, and it feels very formal and staged. What social dynamics do you think are at play here? Curator: This portrait embodies the rigid social hierarchy of pre-revolutionary France. Note how Mirabeau is presented almost like a sculpted bust, encased in stone. The armor suggests power and authority, but also perhaps a defensiveness against the changing tides. Do you notice how the inscription elevates his lineage? Editor: Yes, it's very prominent! It seems like they're really emphasizing his noble status. Curator: Exactly. It’s a deliberate act of self-presentation, reinforcing his place in a world on the brink of radical change. The artist is making a statement about power. Editor: I hadn't considered that level of social commentary. It gives me a totally different perspective!