Henrik Rüse, vendt mod højre 1664 - 1671

Editor: Here we have "Henrik Rüse, vendt mod højre," an engraving made between 1664 and 1671 by Albert Haelwegh. It’s currently at the SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark. There's something about the formality of this portrait, encased in that inscribed oval, that feels very distant and austere. What's your take? Curator: That austere feel is definitely part of the Baroque aesthetic. But look closer! Do you see the subtle almost sly expression on Henrik Rüse’s face? I wonder what stories are behind those eyes. What's he thinking? Also, the engraver has beautifully rendered the textures. Can you see the difference between the crisp lace collar and the luxurious, almost wild, curls of his wig? This contrast brings an element of dynamism into the otherwise still portrait. Why do you think they surrounded the portrait with that elaborate text? Editor: I hadn’t noticed that slyness, but you're right! As for the text, perhaps it was meant to elevate him, list his accomplishments. Curator: Exactly! It would have provided context and further emphasized Rüse’s importance, situating him firmly within the Danish military and aristocracy. Prints like these circulated widely; imagine how important it would be to control the image of powerful people. Editor: I suppose in our age of constant image control, that impulse feels timeless. So much detail was carefully crafted! Curator: Precisely. Each detail tells us something about status, power, and even the artistic conventions of the time. Editor: It makes you appreciate how deliberate every element of the piece truly is! Thanks, I have definitely noticed some new things now!