Adam François van der Meulen 17th-18th century

Editor: This is a portrait of Adam François van der Meulen by Pieter van Schuppen. I find the oval frame within the rectangular print so interesting. What does that framing choice tell us? Curator: It speaks to the institutionalization of portraiture. The frame isn't just decorative; it's a deliberate act of enshrining van der Meulen within a specific historical and social context. Note the inscriptions too—how do they shape our understanding of the sitter’s role and importance? Editor: Ah, so the frame and text aren't just aesthetic choices, but tools that were used to reinforce social hierarchies. That’s a new perspective for me. Curator: Precisely. It makes us consider how power is visualized and disseminated through art.