Portret van Franz Schneider 1649

Editor: Here we have Elias Widemann's 1649 engraving, "Portret van Franz Schneider," residing here at the Rijksmuseum. There's a certain severity to it, the almost severe contrasts making the sitter appear resolute... What do you make of it? Curator: Ah, Franz Schneider, looking every bit the steadfast colonel! Immediately, I'm struck by how Widemann captures both the sitter's outward stoicism and perhaps a hint of inner contemplation, don't you think? The armour practically gleams. Does it suggest mere status, or something more about Schneider's persona, perhaps? Editor: I think it's very interesting how he decided to frame him inside a literal frame, oval shaped too. But also there's text all around... is it typical for these kinds of portraits? Curator: Good eye! That oval cartouche is classic Baroque, presenting Schneider not just as an individual, but within a structured narrative, that "sedvlitate et fortitudine" business at the bottom, 'steadfastness and courage'... quite the spin. Engravings were often as much about conveying information and ideals as likeness. Editor: I see… So it’s like an early form of branding almost? It really reframes how I look at portraits now! Curator: Precisely! Each element serves a purpose beyond the purely aesthetic. Portraits were very different those days, it's all about social presentation, power... and a little bit of carefully curated immortality. It’s funny, isn't it, how we strive to be remembered! Editor: Absolutely, I hadn’t thought of it like that, but now it makes total sense. This really adds layers to the piece. Thanks!