Jean Paul de Lillienstedt 1710

Curator: This print by Pierre Drevet depicts Jean Paul de Lillienstedt. Look at the way Drevet renders fabric, and the man's elaborate wig. It's around 15 by 11 inches, a size that suggests it was meant to be closely studied. Editor: The first thing I see is the sheer volume of that wig! It dominates the entire image, a swirling cloud around the man's face. I'm immediately curious about what it signifies. Curator: The wig, the drapery, and even the elaborate frame underscore Lillienstedt's status. It speaks to the labor needed to create and maintain such displays of wealth. Editor: Yes, and consider the iconography of the lion rampant on the crest below. It’s a classic symbol of courage and nobility, meant to evoke those qualities in the viewer's mind when they see Lillienstedt. Curator: I'm drawn to the inscription too; it tells us about Lillienstedt's roles. As a material object, this print was clearly designed to solidify his place in the social fabric. Editor: It's interesting how the symbolic and material aspects work together here to create an image of power and importance. Curator: Indeed, understanding the historical context allows us to appreciate the craftsmanship and the social role of this print. Editor: Absolutely, by considering both the symbols and the social context, we start to see the complex web of meaning that Drevet has woven for us.