Koning op troon 1645 - 1646

Editor: This is "King on Throne," an engraving from around 1645 by Christoffel van Sichem the Second, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It has such a striking, almost severe feel. How would you interpret this piece within its historical context? Curator: Considering it as a product of its time, the image reveals much about the projected image of power. What visual elements strike you as deliberate choices by the artist, perhaps influencing the viewer's perception of authority? Editor: Well, the setting is very architectural. He is not out in a natural environment, but staged against what looks like a building. He is rigidly positioned in the center with sharp perpendiculars from his brick edifice framing him and his staff. Curator: Exactly. And where would prints like this circulate? Editor: Maybe as book illustrations or individual portraits that could circulate relatively easily given the printing medium. Did these engravings function as a sort of propaganda, solidifying the idea of a ruling figure through accessible imagery? Curator: Precisely. Dissemination of images was deeply connected to shaping public perception. The carefully constructed setting and pose contribute to a narrative of enduring power. The print would serve as a reminder of hierarchical structure and the king's authority, particularly crucial during periods of political instability. Considering these socio-political contexts enhances our appreciation. What did you think of this angle? Editor: Understanding the print’s circulation as reinforcing authority is something I hadn’t fully considered but makes so much sense now. Curator: Agreed! There is always more than meets the eye at first glance, when you start to look at cultural and social functions, the intent really deepens the understanding of such portraiture!