Philip Jacob Scheurl c. 17th century

Editor: So, this is a portrait of Philip Jacob Scheurl by Christoph Weigel. It's hard to pinpoint an exact date, but Weigel was active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The detail in the engraving is incredible, but what strikes me most is the weight of history—the sitter seems so self-assured. What do you make of this piece? Curator: Well, he certainly wouldn't pop at a party in our era, would he? But that's the beauty of looking back, isn't it? This isn’t just a portrait; it’s a statement. The ornate frame, the cascading wig—they're all designed to project power and status. It’s a carefully constructed image, almost theatrical, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Definitely theatrical! So, more about conveying an image than capturing a likeness, then? Curator: Precisely! It's less about showing you the man and more about showing you *the idea* of the man. It’s like a Baroque-era Instagram filter – all about crafting the perfect image. Editor: I never thought of it that way. It’s funny how much changes, but the impulse to curate an image remains. Curator: Exactly. And that's why these old portraits still speak to us, even now.