Henry Howard, 6th Duke of Norfolk c. 1670 - 1675

Editor: This is Gilbert Soest’s portrait of Henry Howard, the 6th Duke of Norfolk. It's striking how his elaborate clothing contrasts with the somber seascape behind him. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Think about the era. This portrait is more than an image of a man; it's a statement about power, class, and England's relationship with the sea. The Duke's finery, juxtaposed with the ships, symbolizes the wealth derived from maritime trade and colonial ambitions. Do you see that connection? Editor: I do. So, it’s not just about the Duke himself, but the whole system that supports him? Curator: Precisely. The portrait subtly critiques the social structures of the time, inviting us to question the cost of such grandeur. I wonder, what does this image tell us about the relationship between personal identity and social structures? Editor: That makes me think about the ongoing legacy of wealth and power and how it's portrayed even today. Curator: Exactly. Art is never truly separate from the world around it.