Portret van Amalia van Hannover c. 1738 - 1756

Editor: This is a portrait of Princess Amelia of Hanover, created by John (II) Faber around 1738-1756. It looks to be some sort of pencil drawing or light pencil work. The subject exudes such formality. I can’t help but wonder: what am I really looking at here? Curator: This print offers insight into the performance of power in the 18th century. The crown resting on the table, the ermine-lined robe, Princess Amelia's very posture – all these elements combine to construct a deliberate image of authority and dynastic succession. Consider, how would this portrait function in the broader political landscape? Editor: Function, you say? I guess it's obvious. She's presenting herself as a powerful royal figure. But, I mean, that pose… almost stiff, right? Curator: Precisely. While we see her portrayed as a picture of decorum, consider the role these images played in maintaining the established order. To whose benefit did such stiff formality operate, and potentially, what anxieties might it betray? Are there conflicting social codes operating within this seemingly straightforward image? Editor: That’s a new lens to examine this type of formal royal portraiture! It's easy to see it as just a pretty picture, but now it also makes me think about propaganda and power. Curator: Exactly! These images, disseminated widely through prints, were crucial tools in shaping public perception. Understanding the context in which they were created allows us to unpack their ideological underpinnings and challenge the narratives they promote. Editor: Thanks for making me consider art’s purpose within the broader social context, and think about which narrative they consciously decide to transmit!