P. Veronenesis c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Jacobus Coelemans' engraving of P. Veronenesis. It feels very formal, almost like a historical record. What story do you think it tells? Curator: This portrait, like many from this period, speaks to the construction of artistic identity and legacy. The inscription "P. Veronenesis sese sic pinxit" implies Veronese depicted himself, yet Coelemans created the print. Editor: So, it’s about how artists want to be seen? Curator: Exactly. Consider how the engraving process itself transforms the image, mediating Veronese’s self-representation through Coelemans’ hand. What power dynamics are at play here? How might this relate to modern-day self-representation? Editor: That’s a great point – it highlights the layers of interpretation inherent in portraiture. It makes me think about the role of social power in art. Curator: Indeed. It underscores the complexity of artistic creation.