Portret van Julius von Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky 1646

Curator: This engraving, “Portret van Julius von Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky,” was created in 1646 by Elias Widemann and resides in the Rijksmuseum. It is metal engraving in the Baroque style. Editor: The detail is astounding, especially on metal. There is an inscription surrounding the figure in this oval portrait and Julius looks as if he disapproves of my very existence. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Beyond the surface, the engraving speaks to the intersection of power, representation, and societal expectation in the Baroque era. Consider, Julius’s armour speaks to the aristocratic role of leadership and violence while the portrait as an object speaks to the importance of dynastic legacy. Editor: I notice how his armor and elaborate lace collar seem to highlight his social status. Curator: Exactly. Now, look closer at the inscription and consider what impact language plays on constructing meaning. Editor: The Latin phrase "DEVS PROVIDEBIT” - God will provide - hints at divine justification for earthly power? Curator: Precisely! Now, what about the fact that it is rendered as a metal engraving rather than a painting? What implications might that have? Editor: I am not sure. Metal engravings are reproducible, and this makes it interesting. Maybe it democratises the artwork to some extent and promotes this particular image of Julius to more than just his aristocratic peers? Curator: An astute observation. The proliferation of such images solidifies his presence, but who controls that narrative, and whose interests does it serve? This artwork also raises pertinent questions about how we assign value and interpret the layers embedded within. Editor: It's fascinating how a seemingly straightforward portrait can reveal such intricate layers of meaning when examined through the lens of history, power, and representation. Thanks for opening my eyes. Curator: And thank you for bringing such a sharp, questioning mind.