Portret van Karel V van Zweden 1862

Editor: Here we have Pierre Guillaume Metzmacher's "Portrait of Charles XV of Sweden," a graphite drawing from 1862. It feels very formal, almost imposing with the detail in his uniform. What catches your eye when you look at this? Curator: Imposing is a great word for it. You know, it’s funny how graphite, a humble material, can be coaxed into rendering such regal detail. It reminds me of that quote, "Still waters run deep" because despite the almost photographic realism and meticulously rendered medals, there’s an enigmatic quality. Does he strike you as accessible, or a figurehead? Editor: I definitely get a figurehead vibe. There’s a distance, something almost...unreachable about him. Do you think the artist was making a statement? Curator: Statement is a strong word. Artists back then often operated within certain parameters, like the photographic quality of this drawing due to the popularity of Realism during the 19th century. But you know what I wonder? Did Metzmacher, in his quest for accuracy, manage to accidentally capture a truth that official portraits often try to smooth over? The weight of the crown, perhaps? Editor: That’s an interesting thought – capturing the weight through the detail. Curator: Yes. Or maybe I'm just projecting. Art, isn't it wonderfully ambiguous? We get to bring ourselves to the table. What did we learn, then? Editor: I'm starting to see how "realistic" doesn't necessarily equal simple, or even straightforward. There’s so much more going on beneath the surface. Curator: Exactly! The more you look, the more questions arise.