Robert Price c. 18th century

Curator: This is George Vertue's engraving, "Robert Price," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts Price in the garb of one of the Barons of His Majesty's Court of Exchequer. Editor: My first impression is dominated by symbols of power and status: the wig, the robe, and especially that ornate coat of arms emblazoned at the bottom. It's all about conveying authority. Curator: Indeed. And Vertue, as an engraver, was deeply involved in the reproduction and dissemination of images, essentially serving the needs of a burgeoning market hungry for portraits of prominent figures. Look at the detailing. Editor: The coat of arms is interesting. It's not just decorative; it's a visual shorthand for Price's lineage, his place within a social hierarchy. The symbols themselves would have been readily understood by contemporaries. Curator: Precisely. The act of engraving itself, the labor involved in creating these intricate lines, was part of the value conferred onto the print, turning what might seem like a mere copy into a valuable commodity. Editor: I see a man consciously projecting a specific image. It’s not just about who he is, but how he wishes to be perceived and remembered. Curator: An interesting point; I will now be viewing engravings with fresh eyes. Editor: Me too. It has certainly brought into focus the intended audience for Vertue's work.