Bela II 1828

Curator: Josef Kriehuber rendered this portrait of Bela II around 1828, likely as a print or drawing. The depiction features Bela standing, adorned in royal regalia, with a distinctive blindfold covering his eyes. It is very striking! Editor: Indeed. My immediate reaction is one of profound sadness mixed with regal bearing. The blindfold...it speaks volumes about vulnerability, yet he holds that orb so firmly. Curator: The orb is crucial, isn't it? In Western iconography, globus cruciger is a frequent Christian symbol of royal power. The historical Bela, King of Hungary in the 12th century, was blinded as a child. Kriehuber here presents him as an image of regal authority. Editor: How fascinating! The portrait highlights both physical impairment and undiminished sovereignty. Knowing the historical context adds a potent layer of political imagery. Curator: Exactly. Consider also the cloak, ornately patterned, draped so heavily around him. It suggests the weight of responsibility, tradition and also concealment. Editor: A calculated image, indeed. The piece feels rather traditional for its time. A deliberate attempt to depict a historical figure, not as he may have felt, but as a symbol of the Hungarian kingdom's enduring legacy? Curator: That's very astute. Prints like this one helped shape national identity. Presenting key figures like Bela in noble and symbolic poses reinforced narratives of continuity and strength. Think about the effect of seeing a historical person rendered this way in the public domain. It must have influenced people’s feelings about leadership. Editor: I can imagine. An interesting detail to note is his gesture, the slight offering with his left hand as if the Kingdom is there for us, accessible by hand even when one does not fully see it. Curator: Indeed, he is giving it back to his own people! Kriehuber seems to have mastered visual propaganda! Editor: It's a poignant portrayal when considering the manipulation that such imagery promoted as part of its own power dynamic. It adds another layer to this artwork, showing power despite personal pain and historical truth, using symbols to maintain control over identity.