Portret van Baldus de Ubaldis c. 1597 - 1599

Editor: Here we have Theodor de Bry’s "Portret van Baldus de Ubaldis," an engraving from around 1597 to 1599. I’m struck by the density of detail, the way the portrait is framed by such ornate floral and textual elements. How would you unpack the historical context embedded in a piece like this? Curator: It’s tempting to see this simply as a biographical record, but such prints in this era played a much more complex public role. Think about who Baldus de Ubaldis was – a renowned jurist – and how this image functions. Isn’t it interesting how it combines his likeness with symbolic elements? Editor: Yes, it’s almost like a form of visual branding, asserting his status and authority. Those inscribed words must contribute. Curator: Precisely. Prints like this circulated widely, shaping perceptions of individuals and institutions. The choice of engraving, the deliberate classicism, and the inclusion of text… What message do you think it’s intended to convey about the sitter's social standing and contribution to society? Editor: It suggests permanence and a certain intellectual gravitas, like this man's legacy is both important and enduring. So, how does the museum’s acquisition and display of a piece like this then perpetuate those historical values? Curator: It’s a vital question. By exhibiting this, are we simply reinforcing a historical power structure? Or are we providing an opportunity for critical engagement with the past and the way powerful figures craft and control their public image? We are able to showcase a specific perspective from a different time period. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I hadn't thought about how much these images do more than simply represent. Thanks. Curator: The real learning is always about how an object’s journey through time shapes and reshapes its meaning.