Portret van Charlotte van Mecklenburg 1764

Editor: This is Jonathan Spilsbury’s "Portrait of Charlotte of Mecklenburg," a drawing from 1764. I’m struck by how she seems both regal and approachable, but I'm curious about what stories and meanings might be embedded within the imagery. What do you see in this portrait, particularly in terms of symbolism? Curator: Indeed. Consider, for example, the jewels she is adorned with, arranged strategically across her person. What might those glittering emblems of power signify, when perceived through the eyes of her subjects? Are they symbols of the Crown's strength, or perhaps tools of psychological persuasion, designed to project a carefully crafted image of benevolent authority? Editor: So the jewels are not just decorative, they're communicative? Curator: Precisely. Think of portraiture from this era as visual propaganda. Each element, from the subject's gaze to their attire, has the potential to be encoded with meaning. Her slightly averted gaze, does that project modesty? Perhaps she is positioned as queen for the people, thoughtful, considerate. How else does she connect with people beyond the literal royal status? Editor: It's fascinating to consider how much thought goes into these seemingly simple depictions. Looking at her clothing too... there are flowers woven in to the material. Curator: An excellent observation! Floral motifs often denote fertility, growth, and renewal. Does that perhaps signify hopes for the royal lineage, for stability in the kingdom? And who was the audience for such images, and how did those symbols resonate with them? Editor: So much to think about! It's like peeling back layers of visual history to reveal the psychology of an era. Thank you, that really opened my eyes. Curator: It’s a pleasure. Visual symbols are always telling, but the true value of art lies in finding those visual connections that reach across the ages, as fresh today as when they were first created.