Jean-Baptiste van Steenberghen 1668

Curator: Here we have Robert Nanteuil’s portrait of Jean-Baptiste van Steenberghen, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: He looks like a man of serious purpose, doesn’t he? The tight oval frame seems to contain his energy. Curator: Indeed. Nanteuil was the portrait engraver to the court of Louis XIV, and he captured many prominent figures. Steenberghen held a high position as advocate in the Brussels Supreme Council. Editor: So, this imagery broadcasts status and authority. The Latin inscription ringing the portrait, and below the image, all speak to his accomplishments and virtues. Curator: Absolutely. The text around the portrait identifies his role, while the text at the bottom is a kind of commentary celebrating how his legal work encompasses sky and sea. Editor: It’s fascinating how symbols of power and intellect are carefully constructed. You notice here the oval frame that focuses your gaze and also the overall darkness that communicates severity. Curator: A keen observation. These portraits played a crucial role in shaping public perception and solidifying social hierarchies. Editor: Precisely, they are a window into the self-fashioning of the era.