Portret van Laurentius Ricci 1708 - 1780

Editor: Here we have Jacob Houbraken’s engraving, “Portret van Laurentius Ricci,” dating from sometime between 1708 and 1780, housed at the Rijksmuseum. The crisp lines give the piece a formal and dignified feel. What can you tell us about the public life surrounding this portrait? Curator: Considering it's a portrait, we have to ask: who commissioned it, and why? It seems straightforward, a typical Baroque portrait but let’s unpack it. Who was Laurentius Ricci, and why immortalize him in print? This wasn't just a personal memento, prints like this had a wider circulation. Editor: So, the act of creating a printed portrait itself implies a desire for broader visibility and influence? Curator: Exactly! Ricci was the last General of the Society of Jesus before its suppression in 1773. Think about the social and political climate at the time. Anti-Jesuit sentiment was growing. The print, especially with the text surrounding the image, becomes a political statement. Is it glorifying Ricci, perhaps lamenting the suppression, or serving another purpose? Editor: So, it's less about capturing his likeness and more about making a statement about the Jesuit order and its place in society at that time. What would that signify for those viewing the piece at the time, then? Curator: Precisely. It shows the ongoing debates regarding religion and authority within 18th century European society and culture. The print serves as evidence for how power dynamics influenced the production and viewing of art during the baroque period. Editor: I see this work much differently now; seeing it as more than just a portrait of a man, it’s a statement and a symbol. Curator: Exactly. This image gives valuable insight into that historical period and serves as more than a likeness.