Portret van Susanne Jacobaea Hellbach 1740 - 1782

Editor: This is a portrait of Susanne Jacobaea Hellbach, an engraving by Friedrich Gottlob Schlitterlau, dating somewhere between 1740 and 1782. The woman in the portrait seems confident, maybe even a little stern. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: I see a carefully constructed representation of female identity within the confines of 18th-century societal expectations. Notice how the elaborate frame, almost aggressively ornate, mirrors the intricate detailing of her dress. This reinforces the idea of women, particularly upper-class women like Susanne, as objects of visual consumption, almost decorative elements themselves. Do you think the choice of engraving as a medium impacts the reading of the artwork? Editor: Definitely. An engraving feels very controlled and precise, reinforcing the formality. The Latin text, too, feels like it's building up her status and emphasizing her pedigree, making it impenetrable. Curator: Exactly! The portrait is literally framed by layers of privilege and exclusion. Who has access to the visual and written language present? Moreover, her direct gaze, while seemingly confident, could be interpreted as a performance. Is she looking at us or at some ideal of femininity she’s compelled to embody? Do you think the symbolism suggests that the portrayal may be restricted to fit societal stereotypes? Editor: That's a great point. The text at the bottom probably contains the coat of arms, further indicating familial history and emphasizing the status which is associated with that identity. So is her apparent confidence more about fulfilling expectations than expressing her true self? Curator: Precisely. And thinking about the artist – a man – further complicates the picture. Whose gaze are we really seeing reflected here? By questioning those gazes and decoding the visual symbols and power structures represented, we can understand more about how women negotiated their identities. Editor: This makes me view the portrait very differently. It’s not just a historical record, but a site of negotiation and even resistance. Curator: Agreed. Engaging with these layers helps reveal untold stories within seemingly conventional artworks.