Georg Wilhelm (1625-1705), hertog van Brunswijk-Luneburg 1674

Editor: Here we have a character portrait, in oil paint, of Georg Wilhelm, the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg. It was created around 1674 by Jean Michelin. I’m immediately struck by the sheer volume of his wig. What can you tell us about this piece? Curator: Considering the period, we have to look at the socio-economic factors at play in portraiture. Oil paint itself, the materials used, were commodities signifying wealth and status. And let's examine the wig, this enormous wig! Its size speaks volumes about conspicuous consumption. How much labour went into creating, maintaining, and ultimately displaying such a piece of hair architecture? Editor: It’s incredible to think about. It wasn’t just *his* labour but the labor of countless others just to maintain this fashion statement! So the act of sitting for this portrait is itself a performance of power? Curator: Precisely. Think of the guilds, the trade networks involved. From the wig-maker, possibly sourcing hair internationally, to the clothing maker, creating the lace… even down to the frame maker for the finished painting itself. These materials testify to the means of production and consumption in the 17th Century. We must consider not only the duke’s own economic privilege but that whole economic and social web propping up this image. Editor: I’m beginning to see this not just as a painting of a duke, but as a product of 17th century commerce, using art to advertise power through very specific materials. Curator: Exactly. It’s less about representing the man and more about celebrating the system that afforded him that massive wig! Editor: Thanks, I've certainly got a lot more to think about with this artwork!