Portret van maarschalk Louis François, hertog van Boufflers 1695

Curator: Here we have Jacob Gole's 1695 engraving, "Portret van maarschalk Louis François, hertog van Boufflers," housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: What a striking portrait! The level of detail in the engraving is quite impressive, capturing a certain proud and theatrical presence. There’s almost a boastful air about him. Curator: Indeed. Boufflers was a significant military figure. This image was likely circulated to solidify his status and perhaps influence public opinion during a time of considerable upheaval and warfare. The politics of imagery were certainly in play. Editor: You can tell it was meant to communicate importance, look at the details in the fabrics, his sash, and even the somewhat obscured but incredibly detailed battle scene happening behind him. I wonder what kind of tools Gole would have been using to carve this image into the plate and how those choices may have impacted the detail of the lines themselves? Curator: Consider the context in which this was created and distributed. Gole wouldn't be a 'creative genius' expressing pure individual intent; rather he was crafting and producing something under the commission of a patron. Also note the deliberate framing, reinforcing societal power structures and perhaps sanitizing the grim realities of battle. Editor: I see your point, but I'm also considering the intense labour, the artistic skill, and technical ingenuity required. Also consider who these engravings would actually reach, perhaps reinforcing that elite class? Curator: The ruling class undoubtedly, the intended audience would understand the nuances of dress, status, and recognize the underlying messages about French military power, which serves to reify social roles and control narratives in 17th century European life. Editor: The social control through art is palpable. However, from a maker’s perspective, this work reveals the sheer human effort involved. Curator: A confluence of intention, certainly. It leaves us contemplating the intricate web of power, artistic creation, and societal influence during Boufflers’ time. Editor: Absolutely, I see this piece as a reminder to dig beneath the image itself, to reflect on all the means and people that are present.