Marquis of Montrose c. 19th century

Editor: This is Robert Cooper's "Marquis of Montrose," its date is unknown, and it’s held at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm really struck by the intricate detail in the armor. What can you tell me about the production and context of this engraving? Curator: Well, consider the means of production here. Engraving allowed for wider dissemination of images of power. How does this accessibility challenge traditional boundaries between high art and portraiture's role in reinforcing social hierarchies? Editor: That's fascinating. So, the process democratized the image? Curator: Exactly. The labor involved, the material limitations of engraving, and even the consumption of these prints all point to a shift in how power was visually represented and distributed. It really makes you rethink the relationship between art, class, and influence. Editor: I hadn't considered the distribution aspect before, thanks for expanding my understanding.