Portret van Nicolaus Christoph Lyncker 1653 - 1693

Curator: It looks like powdered sugar exploded on a poodle, but I'm strangely drawn in. All that curly extravagance is almost mesmerizing! Editor: We're looking at an engraving of Nicolaus Christoph Lyncker by Elias Hainzelmann. It’s part of the Rijksmuseum collection, and dates somewhere between 1653 and 1693, placing it firmly in the Baroque period. Engravings like these, of notable people, circulated widely; they really cemented status. Curator: Cemented is right! This man is encased in curls and lace. The frame is quite ornamental too. What does all that heraldry signify below his image? I find it visually heavy but somewhat fascinating. Editor: Exactly, the coat of arms tells us something about his lineage and social standing, key to its function. It declares his identity and position within a complex socio-political structure. This wasn’t just about capturing a likeness; it was about projecting power. Curator: It’s a rather *studied* informality though, isn’t it? Like, I'm casually wearing my mountain of permed hair and designer ruff while attending affairs of state! He seems very aware of the impression he is making. The lighting is masterfully subdued and then draws you into his almost challenging eyes. I can’t tell if he's daring me to judge or if I'm projecting myself? Editor: The "Baroque gaze" indeed. While on one hand the formal composition emphasizes aristocratic virtue and lineage, prints like these had other purposes, too. The widespread circulation of portrait engravings during this period reveals a culture of celebrity. Curator: Celebrity? Editor: Well, maybe not in our contemporary understanding, but there was certainly a market for images of important people. They acted as tools of diplomacy, public relations, even as a form of aspirational consumer culture, in a way. Think of it as early modern influencer marketing. Curator: That certainly gives me a new perspective on those elaborate wigs! So much more than a fashion statement! I will consider my perspective on celebrity "hair" more closely. Editor: Exactly! This image connects an individual portrait to much broader social, political, and economic dynamics. It’s much more than just a pretty face in a fancy frame.