Pierre-Vincent Bertin c. 17th century

Editor: This print, titled "Pierre-Vincent Bertin," is by Gérard Edelinck. It depicts a portrait being unveiled, surrounded by allegorical figures and putti. The whole scene feels rather performative, wouldn't you say? What do you see in this piece, beyond the obvious flattery? Curator: Flattery indeed! It’s as though we've stumbled into a Baroque theatre of self-promotion. Look how Bertin’s likeness is literally elevated, framed by classical figures representing art and perhaps even divine approval. Editor: So, it's not just about celebrating Bertin; it's about cementing his legacy through visual rhetoric. Curator: Precisely! And consider the technical skill on display – Edelinck's mastery of line transforms a static portrait into a dynamic narrative. He’s not just showing us Bertin; he’s selling us the idea of Bertin. Makes you wonder who's pulling the strings, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely! It shifts my perspective from admiring the artistry to questioning the intent. Curator: That's the joy of art, isn't it? It provokes us to look deeper, to question the narratives we’re presented.