Frederick Augustus, Elector of Saxony c. 18th century

Curator: We're looking at Johann Friedrich Bause’s engraving of Frederick Augustus, Elector of Saxony. What strikes you about this portrait? Editor: The architectural frame around his likeness feels so formal, almost imposing. It gives off a sense of rigid hierarchy and power. Curator: Yes, Bause was known for these kinds of formal portraits, often commissioned by or for the elite, reinforcing their status through carefully crafted imagery. Note the detail in the coat of arms. Editor: And I can’t help but think about the power structures at play. Who gets memorialized in art, and what does that say about our values? Curator: Exactly. This image served a very specific purpose, reinforcing a particular social order. It's a fascinating glimpse into the visual language of power. Editor: I am left wondering about how individuals navigate these constructed roles.