Portret van Thierry Bignon 1697

Pieter van Schuppen created this engraving, 'Portret van Thierry Bignon', whose date remains unconfirmed. It offers us a glimpse into the visual culture and social hierarchies of the 17th century. Consider the status of the sitter, Bignon, a magistrate, and the visual cues of power and prestige that surround him. The elaborate wig, the fine clothing, and the formal pose are all markers of his position within the French legal system. What does it mean to have your likeness reproduced and circulated in this way? How does portraiture function as a tool for constructing and reinforcing social identities? This work invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in portraiture, and how representations of identity are shaped by the cultural values and social structures of a given time. Think about the way gender and class intersect to inform the visual language of this image. It offers a rich lens through which to examine the complexities of identity in early modern Europe.