Standing Man Holding a Lance 1755 - 1771

Editor: This is Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg’s “Standing Man Holding a Lance,” made sometime between 1755 and 1771. It's a print, an engraving I believe. I'm immediately struck by how almost cartoonish the figure looks, especially his…rather round breeches! What do you see in this piece? Curator: Cartoonish, you say? I like that! It has a touch of the theatrical about it, doesn't it? Perhaps like a character from some fantastical Baroque play? The lance feels almost like a prop. The setting’s vaguely mountainous… and that figure lurking behind him seems quite worried. Who is he and what has happened I wonder? Editor: He *does* look worried! So this is Baroque, right? I tend to associate that style with paintings of cherubs and swooning saints! Is this like…a Baroque caricature? Curator: A delicious idea, yes! Although “caricature” might be too strong a word. But Loutherbourg, he's bending and playing with the conventions. He's taking that dramatic flair, that interest in character, and letting a bit of wit shine through. Don’t you think those comical baggy trousers contribute to that impression of subversion? Editor: Absolutely! And the way he’s leaning on the lance! Not exactly ready for battle, is he? He looks almost… smug? Curator: Smug! Ha! I hadn’t considered that! Perhaps he’s more aware of the ridiculousness of it all than we initially thought. He becomes, in my view, much more playful! Which in the 1700s was…refreshing! Editor: That's fascinating, seeing how an artist can subtly wink at the audience. It makes me appreciate this little engraving so much more. I saw just round pants at first, but now it's like a whole comical drama packed into a small space!