Portret van Heinrich Erndel 1675 - 1748

Editor: This is "Portret van Heinrich Erndel," a portrait made between 1675 and 1748 by Moritz Bodenehr. It's an engraving on metal and paper. I find the subject's expression somewhat… vacant. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Well, first let's acknowledge that portraiture in this era, especially within aristocratic circles, was about projecting power and status. Heinrich Erndel’s confident gaze and elaborate wig were visual declarations of his social standing. Think of the Baroque era's fascination with spectacle, where every element—from clothing to calligraphy—communicated identity. The print, as a medium, allowed for wider circulation, thus reinforcing this image of power throughout society. Consider the function of displaying lineage, visible via the crest. How might this impact how we view modern identity politics? Editor: That's fascinating. So the portrait isn't really about capturing the *person*, but more about the position? It almost feels like propaganda. Curator: Precisely. Consider who had access to creating and disseminating such images. How did those dynamics influence the narratives we now understand as history? We must also address questions of authorship and accessibility within these historical representations. Where are the stories and faces of those actively excluded? Editor: It gives me a lot to consider about how power dynamics play out through art, and how much has remained unchanged, and what still needs changing. Curator: Yes, and by confronting the narratives of the past, we equip ourselves to question the present. I am glad to see this resonated, and you’ll keep asking more.