Smaak 1709 - 1755

Curator: This engraving is titled "Smaak," dating somewhere between 1709 and 1755, crafted by an anonymous artist. What's your initial reaction to it? Editor: I am struck by the intimacy of the moment, although that term, 'intimacy' might seem exaggerated in light of its somewhat formal composition, and in particular, that almost performative stirring of the cup with that rather dainty little spoon. There's also an interior, private quality here, as though we have trespassed on a ritual. Curator: You mention ritual, and that’s key. Look closely at the details surrounding the figure. Note the presence of that almost theatrical backdrop of the tree and the landscape. Observe also that intriguing box or vessel that’s placed almost as though on display. Together with the formal staging of the setting they serve as pointers to wealth and status, signifiers of sophistication, taste. What comes to mind for you? Editor: The background, which is indeed very theatrical and reminiscent of Baroque scenic design, along with her posture and even that little flourish in her hair makes me think she embodies artifice – artifice not in a bad way, mind you. Curator: Agreed, the whole is incredibly performative; from the ornamentation on the chair, her jewellery and patterned blouse to that lacy looking shoulder covering and, to repeat, even the seemingly mundane gesture of stirring the cup and her steady but fixed stare… She is putting on a show, or putting herself ‘on display,’ in this setting for a potential, almost voyeuristic ‘viewer.’ Editor: Precisely, that slight and barely visible pursing of her lips accentuates the pose even more! It's as though her whole being is a composition; with artifice playing on several levels at once - her carefully poised look, and even her attire is meticulously constructed as if on a theater stage... but her look doesn't betray anxiety. If anything, there is confidence! Curator: It feels almost too studied; in this moment that the engraving captures, I see someone attempting to appear, sophisticated, in control. The trappings and staging tell us what she is trying to communicate – elegance, worldliness - that she belongs in a rarified realm. It reminds us that portraits such as this serve very real social and psychological needs. Editor: This makes me wonder how many cues were actually left for those "in the know" to understand her class, standing in society... which gets at our fascination with "image-making", doesn't it? Thanks for the tea. I learned something! Curator: A delightful sip for both of us!