Portret van William Russell, Lord Russell 1737 - 1739

Editor: This is a print from the late 1730s, "Portret van William Russell, Lord Russell" by Jacob Houbraken. It's… surprisingly fussy? The portrait itself is framed by so much symbolic stuff, and the engraving is incredibly detailed. What do you see here? Curator: Oh, fussy is one word for it! I think of it more as Baroque maximalism doing its thing. But you're right, it’s a feast for the eyes. What strikes me is the contrast between the formal portrait and the allegorical elements surrounding it. It’s as if we’re peeking into the subject’s persona versus the grand narratives swirling around him. Do you notice how the putto almost seems to be guarding or obscuring the memorial tablet below? Editor: Yeah, like he's protecting a secret? Or maybe covering up the harsher realities of history with this pretty, chubby innocence. Curator: Exactly! These artists were canny – Jacob’s portrait reminds us of power, yes, but the softness suggests he’s asking us to consider what the powerful *leave* behind. That said, who do *you* imagine this William Russell to be? I’d ask myself "does he even approve?" given all the pomp around his visage! Editor: Haha, maybe not. He looks like he just wants a nice cup of tea. But it’s fascinating to think about the layers of meaning, how even a formal portrait like this is saying so much more. Curator: It's like deciphering a visual poem. Looking closely at the engraving and baroque art helps unlock stories—it opens dialogues about not just what we *see*, but what remains *unspoken* as the creative genius sought their answers, what do you think? Editor: It gives me a new appreciation for these old engravings, I'll tell you what! There's more than meets the eye here, more stories than I expected!