Portret van Bernard Picart 1736

This is David Herrliberger's portrait of Bernard Picart, made using etching and engraving. It's an intriguing image that raises important questions about the role of the artist in society. Made in the Netherlands in the 18th century, this print is full of visual codes and cultural references. Picart, a designer and engraver, is framed by symbols of his trade. We see allegorical figures of History and Grief surrounding him. Books lying at the feet of the angel are inscribed with titles such as ‘Fontaine’ and ‘Ovide.’ These reference the literary sources for Picart's engravings. The portrait celebrates Picart’s achievements, and the imagery elevates the status of the artist. To fully understand this work, we can turn to sources such as period writings on art theory and the records of artistic academies to understand the changing status of the artist in the 1700s. Art history shows us that the meaning of a work is always tied to its social and institutional context.