Portret van Paul Pelisson 1666 - 1707

Curator: The “Portret van Paul Pelisson,” dating from between 1666 and 1707, is a striking engraving currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It was crafted by Gérard Edelinck. Editor: There's a real intensity to this portrait, even within the rigid framework of its time. The subject's gaze is compelling, and the level of detail achieved through engraving is astonishing. Curator: It's interesting to consider how this image functioned. As an engraving, it served a dual purpose: commemorating Pelisson while also being relatively easy to reproduce, distributing his image amongst a wider circle. The textures and tones rely entirely on the mark making achieved by Edelinck in the copper plate. Editor: Precisely! And thinking about materiality, the engraving process speaks to a specific economy of artistic production. Unlike painting, it was more suited to a workshop setting where the division of labor would allow for faster reproduction of the imagery, hence broader circulation to its intended audience. Curator: The controlled lines contribute to a sense of Baroque formality, a characteristic quite en vogue at the time. We have this careful balance of naturalism, look at the detail within the curls of his wig or his textured skin, against the imposed, stylized format. Editor: What also stands out is the inscription at the bottom; that explicit identification places Pelisson firmly within a context of power, “Maistre des Requestes et de l’Academie Francoise.” So its purpose goes beyond simple commemoration. It's about solidifying status and public perception. The use of a standardized frame suggests he's an ideal of that time. Curator: Yes, the image served to propagate not just Pelisson's image, but the image of the academy. How fascinating to look at how different modes of artistic production reinforced social hierarchies in 17th century France! Editor: I agree! Understanding how material production intersects with power structures really sheds light on what this portrait truly signifies. Thank you for helping me explore new aspects of it.