Castrorum Prœfectus Americanus, from 'Courses de Testes et de Bagues Faittes par Roy et par les Princes et Signeurs de sa Cour, en l'annee 1662' (Grand Carrousel) 1662 - 1670

Editor: This is "Castrorum Præfectus Americanus," an engraving by François Chauveau, dating from 1662 to 1670. It feels very theatrical to me, with the ornate costume and rearing horse. What grabs your attention when you look at it? Curator: Well, immediately I’m struck by the almost unbelievable detail, isn't it wonderful? Imagine Chauveau’s hand moving across the plate! But also the complete fantasy of it all – "American Commander"? In full Baroque regalia? What America did *they* have in mind, I wonder? This piece whispers of a Europe still wrestling with its fascination and misunderstanding of the New World, wouldn't you agree? It’s a potent image of power and imagination, twisted into something wonderfully bizarre. The costume looks less practical armor and more pure ornamentation – more spectacle than battle. Editor: Yes, it’s less about conquering and more about, well, costuming the idea of conquering! So is the “American” part pure fantasy then? Curator: Probably. Or at least, heavily filtered through a European lens. Consider the period – this is all happening when exploration and colonization were in full swing, driven by very biased ideas about indigenous cultures. I think it makes us reflect on how perceptions shape reality. Editor: That's fascinating – so it’s not just a historical portrait, but also a comment on how history gets written? Curator: Precisely! A delicious piece of propaganda wrapped in extravagant fluff, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Absolutely. I’ll never look at another engraving the same way! Thanks. Curator: My pleasure, it’s always lovely to look past the surface, isn't it?