George Herbert (1593-1633) c. 1670

Editor: This is Robert White’s portrait of George Herbert. It is a drawing and quite small. The man’s clothing and expression suggest a certain formality and perhaps piety. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This portrait offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between religious authority and individual identity in 17th-century England. Herbert, a clergyman and poet, is depicted with a quiet intensity. How might his status as a member of the clergy, particularly within the context of religious and political upheaval, influence our reading of this image? Editor: It's interesting to think about the power dynamics at play, even in a portrait. I hadn't considered the context of religious upheaval. Curator: Exactly! And White, as the artist, also navigates those dynamics. Understanding that helps us interpret the work as not just a likeness, but a statement. Editor: I appreciate how you highlighted the broader historical influences—it shifts my understanding entirely!