Portret van Thomas More 1572 - 1662

Editor: Here we have an engraving titled "Portret van Thomas More," dating sometime between 1572 and 1662. It's currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, and the artist is unknown. I'm immediately struck by the subject’s intense gaze and the texture created by the engraving lines. How do we understand this work in its historical context? Curator: This portrait provides a glimpse into the public image-making of the period, and particularly, the use of portraiture to construct historical memory. Given More's execution for treason in 1535, nearly 40 years prior to the earlier date for this print, what socio-political considerations were in play during the circulation of such imagery? It would be beneficial to think about whose interests were served by commissioning, creating, and disseminating his image, especially in a way that commemorates his fidelity and doctrine, according to the text on the engraving itself. What does the presence of that text, combined with More's prominent attire and scroll, suggest? Editor: So, this image isn’t just a neutral depiction of a person, but a statement? Was it perhaps created during a period when More's reputation was being reassessed or rehabilitated? Curator: Precisely. Remember that the act of portraying someone, particularly someone controversial, is inherently political. Consider who had the power to represent More, and what message they wanted to convey. Were there shifts in religious or political power that may have influenced the artistic patronage? Further investigation into this work helps uncover its value as a potent commentary on history, faith, and power. Editor: It’s fascinating how an image, seemingly straightforward, can reveal so much about the social and political landscape of the time. I never thought about a portrait in these terms. Curator: Exactly, this portrait demonstrates how images participate in broader narratives. By viewing them with this lens, we can unlock layers of meaning.