John Smith the Engraver 1696

Curator: Here we have Sir Godfrey Kneller's "John Smith the Engraver," currently housed at the Tate. Kneller, born in 1646, was a leading portraitist. Editor: It’s a very intimate portrait. There's a quiet confidence in his eyes, and a sense of controlled presentation that feels so tied to notions of identity and status in that era. Curator: Absolutely. Kneller was masterful at capturing the likeness and social standing of his sitters. It's worth noting the scroll he holds, showcasing his profession, aligning the sitter with both artistry and commerce. Editor: And that pointed finger – is it assertive or instructional? I wonder how Smith viewed his role within the artistic hierarchy, and how he perhaps subverted or reinforced those power dynamics through his work. Curator: An excellent point, considering the engraver's role in disseminating images and shaping public perception. A very powerful, and complicated position. Editor: Thinking about it now, the portrait makes me reflect on the power of representation itself, and the gaze, who is portraying who, and how we all fit into that complex history. Curator: Indeed. This portrait encapsulates much about artistic production and social status in its time. Editor: It certainly gives us a lot to consider.