Portret van Stefanus van Engeland 1733 - 1756

Pierre François Basan created this print, “Portret van Stefanus van Engeland,” or “Portrait of Stephen of England,” during the late eighteenth century, a time when printed portraits of historical figures were immensely popular. Consider the role of portraiture in shaping our understanding of historical figures, particularly monarchs. This image presents us with a regal Stephen, King of England, framed within a classical architectural surround. How does this framing affect our perception of Stephen's power and authority? The portrait is inscribed with Stephen's name and title, alongside the date of his death, immortalizing him through the medium of print. Prints like this were often included in books, or sold separately to be collected, which makes you wonder about the desires of the people who purchased them. What was it about these figures that fascinated people? Were they symbols of stability? Or were they romanticized reminders of a turbulent past?