Pierre Surirey de Saint-Remy 1697

Curator: This is Gérard Edelinck's portrait of Pierre Surirey de Saint-Remy, held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the texture. The hair, the lace—it’s all rendered with such fine lines. You can almost feel the weight of that wig! Curator: The wig is interesting, isn't it? It's more than just a fashion statement; it's a symbol of status and power during that era. Think of the social performance it signifies. Editor: Absolutely. And consider the labour involved in creating this print. Edelinck's skill with the burin, the pressure he applied, and the paper used all contribute to this image of affluence. Curator: Precisely! The engraving itself becomes a performance of social standing, reinforcing the subject's importance through visual and material cues. Editor: It's a fascinating demonstration of how art and social identity were so intertwined through the means of production. Curator: Indeed, seeing through the surface reveals layers of cultural messaging embedded in the seemingly simple portrait. Editor: A compelling glimpse into a bygone era, meticulously crafted and rich with symbolism.