Charles I and Henrietta c. 19th century

Editor: This is William B. Closson's "Charles I and Henrietta," dating back to the 19th century. It’s a print, a wood engraving actually. There's something about the light pencil work that gives it an almost ghostly feel, doesn't it? What's your take on it? Curator: Ghostly is a lovely word for it! For me, the piece whispers of history, or perhaps a memory of history. The artist, Closson, is working in a style reminiscent of older engravings. He is drawing on images of power and monarchy from the past. It’s almost like he is evoking the court of Charles I. A complicated, turbulent time… what do you make of the framing around the couple? Editor: I hadn’t really thought about it, I guess I assumed it was just decorative… but you make it sound more important? Curator: Well, to me the arches dividing the two portraits act almost like symbolic barriers. Think about it: Charles I was, to put it lightly, rather divisive figure! Did you notice their expressions, though? Editor: They seem rather detached, I mean is that just a standard portrait pose or are they meant to communicate distance and alienation? Curator: Aha! A very good question, my friend. I think Closson is intentionally invoking both; The way he worked reminds us of both how removed they were and the way they have since faded from contemporary society.. Almost a relic of another time… It reminds me of how sometimes you’re not quite sure if you’re actually experiencing a thing or just remember seeing it on film? A shadow passing in a looking glass. It feels fragile, in some ways doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely. I love the way it blends a historical record with an… ethereal artistic interpretation. I never would have seen that tension. Curator: Art has always lived on those boundaries of the seen and unseen... A worthy addition for a student of art to meditate on.