Brustbild eines weißbärtigen Mannes mit Kappe, leicht nach rechts gewandt 

Editor: Here we have Johann Andreas Benjamin Nothnagel’s "Bust of a White-Bearded Man with Cap, Slightly Turned to the Right", an ink drawing from the 18th century. I'm struck by the man's downcast gaze and the softness of the ink strokes. What social narratives do you see emerging from this piece? Curator: It's tempting to see in this work a commentary on age and wisdom, particularly within the context of the 18th century. But whose wisdom was valued, and whose was dismissed? Was it age that truly mattered, or simply patriarchal structures enforcing deference towards older men? We should think about whose voices were, and continue to be, absent in art historical canons. Editor: That's a great point. The subject’s gaze seems introspective, or perhaps even burdened. Is there a conversation to be had about the power dynamics embedded in portraiture of this period? Curator: Absolutely. Think about the function of portraiture at the time, primarily serving the wealthy elite. How does a portrait like this, possibly depicting a working-class individual given his modest cap, challenge those established norms? Does it democratize the form, or does it subtly reinforce existing class structures by positioning this man as an object of study for a presumably wealthier audience? Editor: So, his likeness is being consumed regardless. That is powerful to consider. Curator: Exactly. It invites us to examine not only the subject but also the social context in which the image was created, circulated, and now, viewed within a museum setting. How might the power dynamics have shifted since its creation, and how do they continue to affect our understanding today? Editor: This reframing really shifts my perception of the work. Thanks! Curator: It's about constantly questioning the narratives we inherit and recognizing the complexities inherent in representing any individual or group.