Portret van Godard van Reede in wapenrusting 1694 - 1737

Editor: Here we have "Portret van Godard van Reede in wapenrusting," or "Portrait of Godard van Reede in Armor," made sometime between 1694 and 1737 by Pieter van den Berge. It's a print—an engraving, I think—and it strikes me as a fascinating blend of the individual and the heroic. All that text though. What do you see in this work? Curator: Oh, absolutely! The text is like a whispered aside, a historical footnote clinging to the visual drama. For me, it’s all about the controlled chaos, isn’t it? Van den Berge creates this magnificent Baroque portrait of Godard van Reede but throws in this background of battle… etched so precisely, so furiously. Does the armour give you a sense of security or, given what’s happening in the distance, a false one? Editor: I guess a little of both? He looks imposing but that background definitely throws a wrench into any feelings of stability. Like, he's ready, but... for what exactly? It's like two different worlds crashing into each other on one surface. The order versus chaos. Curator: Precisely! It’s almost theatrical, don’t you think? Posed like that in front of this very busy background, with its tiny battles that have so much implied motion compared to the almost photographic portrait. Are we meant to admire Van Reede’s stoicism or question it? Maybe Van den Berge asks us to consider how portraiture, even prints, participates in crafting public persona, especially for men of power? Editor: I hadn't thought about it like that, the *construction* of an image. It’s fascinating how the medium itself contributes to this sense of distance, of something crafted, not real, because of the details! All of that helps to emphasize his authority. Thanks, I am now going to question every portrait I come across from now on!