Scène uit het treurspel Karel de IX 1790

Editor: This engraving, "Scene from the Tragedy Charles IX," created by Jan Gerard Waldorp in 1790, has a distinct air of political unrest. The subjects seem tense and on guard. What can you tell me about the context surrounding this piece? Curator: Given its subject matter—a scene from a tragedy about Charles IX—this engraving most likely serves a specific political purpose beyond mere historical illustration. Consider the power dynamics inherent in depictions of royalty. Who is commissioning or circulating these images, and what message are they intending to convey? Are they promoting or undermining the monarchy? Editor: So, its purpose wasn’t only artistic? Curator: Very little art is devoid of politics. In the late 18th century, when this was made, prints like these were often used as propaganda. Given the timing and theme, I'd wager it speaks to the revolutionary sentiments that would soon engulf Europe, depicting royal conflict to sow distrust, which was very much tied to institutional power struggles of that period. Does knowing this reshape your reading of the piece? Editor: It definitely does. Knowing that it could be used as propaganda and might shape popular opinion about the King gives the print a sharper edge, an intention behind its artistic style. So its function becomes more powerful than the narrative. Curator: Precisely. Its influence lies not just in reflecting history but in shaping perceptions and manipulating historical events in public memory.