Painted circa 1715 the subject is portrayed wearing a sumptuous cloak over a jacket and delicate lace frothing around the neck. Textiles, used for either home furnishings or dress, were important indicators of an individual''s social rank in this period. In an age when only the wealthiest members of society could afford such expensive and fragile fabrics as silk, satin, and damask, both quality and quantity mattered. Only wealthy individuals could wear lace at this time, and fashion strictly controlled the style and the amount that was shown. European artist’s used drapery to convey wealth and power for centuries but it also offered an excuse to prove their virtuosity at rendering light, surface, and volume – something that Rigaud excelled in. The abundance of fabulous cloth in this painting is therefore an indicator of this man''s wealth and importance.The handling of the paints and the detailing in the face is exemplary and illustrates the artist''s consummate skill and ability ...