Mary Queen of Scots 1738

Editor: This is Jacobus Houbraken's portrait of Mary Queen of Scots. I'm intrigued by the contrasting frames around the image. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The portrait is a study in contrasting textures and shapes. Note the soft, flowing drapery versus the rigid formality of the ruff. How does this tension contribute to the overall effect? Editor: It creates a fascinating visual hierarchy, guiding the eye. I hadn't considered that. Curator: Indeed. And the symmetry and asymmetry play off each other beautifully. There is much to explore in the layering of its forms. Editor: I'll definitely look more closely at the interplay of shapes from now on. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. The devil, as they say, is in the details.