Portret van Jean Lannes 1808 - 1868

Editor: So this is Carl Mayer’s “Portret van Jean Lannes,” made sometime between 1808 and 1868. It’s an engraving. The detail is incredible, and the stern expression really dominates the piece. What’s your read on a portrait like this? Curator: It's crucial to understand the socio-political climate when analyzing this piece. The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw the rise of Napoleon and a cult of personality. Military leaders became powerful figures, their images carefully crafted and disseminated through prints like these. This wasn't just about capturing a likeness. It was about constructing a public persona. Does the way Lannes is presented here align with the broader visual culture of the Napoleonic era? Editor: Absolutely! The uniform, the medals…it's pure power and authority. Was this portrait intended for a specific audience, beyond just wealthy art collectors? Curator: Precisely. Prints democratized imagery. They allowed for wider dissemination, reaching audiences beyond the elite. Think about how this image might have functioned in constructing French national identity or bolstering support for Napoleon's campaigns. Consider its potential role in military recruitment. It’s more than just aesthetics. Editor: It’s like propaganda through art! It's fascinating to consider the layered meanings embedded in what seems like a straightforward portrait. I never thought about the dissemination part. Curator: Exactly! And think about the role of the artist, Mayer, in contributing to that. Was he consciously creating propaganda, or was he simply responding to market demands? These are the kinds of questions we should be asking. Editor: That perspective really helps put the work in context, like I'm not just seeing an image but the machine it fueled. Curator: Precisely, a historical figure reproduced for a political effect.