Ruiterportret van Maurits, prins van Oranje 17th century

Editor: We’re looking at a 17th-century engraving: “Equestrian Portrait of Maurits, Prince of Orange." The artist is unknown, but the level of detail is amazing! There’s something almost…mythical about the way the horse and rider are depicted. What strikes you when you see it? Curator: Ah, yes! What a magnificent…specimen! Honestly, my eye goes directly to that horse's tail. I'm curious: Does it remind you of anything? Perhaps some delicious, freshly whipped cream...or maybe one of those fancy baroque fountains, except...equine? I am mostly captivated by how Prince Maurits commands our attention. I suspect he wanted to exude a powerful statement! Notice the Latin inscriptions surrounding the image… It’s all quite deliberate in constructing this heroic image, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Definitely heroic! I guess the landscape in the background plays into that too, creating a sense of grand scale. The artist must have aimed to portray not just Maurits as a person but as a symbol. Curator: Precisely! It’s fascinating how symbols evolve. Today, would we still choose a horseback portrait to communicate authority and status? Maybe a solid gold car? And does it truly express ‘power’, or now seem somewhat, well, ‘dated’?. Just imagine Maurits on a moped instead. No, actually, please *don’t*! Editor: Ha! Well, looking at this print has definitely made me rethink how we portray leaders and heroes – past and present. Thanks for offering that…whimsical but insightful perspective. Curator: My pleasure! Perhaps we can ponder which contemporary dessert would best represent the *next* iconic equestrian portrait? Let’s chat again soon.