Gezicht op het Koninklijk Paleis te Lissabon gezien vanaf de oostzijde 1742 - 1801

Editor: This print, titled "Gezicht op het Koninklijk Paleis te Lissabon gezien vanaf de oostzijde," is an engraving, etching, and possibly features some hand-coloring. The Rijksmuseum dates it sometime between 1742 and 1801 and attributes it to Georg Balthasar Probst. The cityscape and perspective create such an interesting depiction of the palace. How might the scene have been viewed by its contemporary audiences? Curator: It’s fascinating to consider this print through the lens of power and representation. This detailed rendering wasn't just documenting the palace; it was shaping a narrative of Portuguese power and prosperity for a broad audience, disseminated via print culture. Consider how the perspective emphasizes the palace's grandeur and its place within the bustling cityscape. It’s a public face for the monarchy, meticulously crafted for consumption. What do you make of the ships in the harbor? Editor: They seem to indicate trade and the reach of Portugal’s global influence. Perhaps the inclusion is meant to add to the image of Portuguese power. Curator: Precisely. The image functions on many levels; its strategic use of perspective, architectural detail, and inclusion of symbols of economic strength all work towards constructing a powerful, very public image. It invites reflection on who controlled this image, how it was circulated, and for what purpose. Consider the implications of wide-scale distribution of such an image and its impact on solidifying public opinion of the monarchy. Editor: It’s almost like propaganda through picturesque documentation. I never thought about cityscapes as having so much political weight. Curator: It certainly provides food for thought on how we perceive images of power even today. Images of grand buildings can influence us as a people and serve as reflections of authority. Editor: Thank you. I'll never look at another city view the same way!