J-B. Bossuet: Bust Portrait n.d.

Editor: Here we have a print entitled "J-B. Bossuet: Bust Portrait," created by Jean-Baptiste de Grateloup. The artwork's date is unknown, though it appears to be done with graphite and engraving on paper. It gives off a very serious and formal tone. How do you interpret this work, considering its historical context? Curator: It’s fascinating to consider the politics of image-making in 17th and 18th century France. Bossuet was an incredibly influential figure, a bishop, theologian, and prominent court preacher. His image, widely circulated like this, reinforced his authority. Consider the Baroque style, typically used for grand displays of power – here, even in a more modest print, there's still an attempt to project an image of learned authority. How does the choice of rendering him in print affect the perception of Bossuet? Editor: Well, I suppose printing made the image more accessible than a painted portrait would have been. So, by reproducing it, it sort of democratizes his image to those who might not be able to have seen a real portrait of him, so people who otherwise would never have had access to the person can see the image. Curator: Precisely. These images weren't neutral; they actively constructed and disseminated power. The Art Institute holding the print now continues to add value to this image. Think about how museums elevate such images and the subjects they portray, and what implications that might have. Is it solely an artifact, or does it participate in an active construction of the image? Editor: That's true. I never thought about how the museum itself adds to the image’s cultural impact. That really broadens my perspective on the image. Curator: Exactly! Considering the historical context gives us a much more robust insight on Bossuet and those around him. Hopefully you'll consider these insights as you study the production and display of artworks going forward.