Portret van Albert Friedrich Heinrich, prins van Pruisen 1829

Curator: Before us, we have a work from 1829 currently held at the Rijksmuseum: Claudio Linati's portrait of Albert Friedrich Heinrich, Prince of Prussia, crafted with pen, graphite and other drawing techniques. Editor: There's an interesting contrast here, between the incredibly crisp and formalized central figure, and then that ethereal background and ghostly equine vignette. Curator: Precisely! Notice how the sharp lines delineating the Prince's figure gives way to a looser handling of the environment, it reminds me of prints accompanying natural history illustrations; here, the "specimen" of royalty is on display. And don't miss how he's presented as 'future spouse'; it emphasizes an aspect of court life from two centuries ago. Editor: The very pose seems calculated, doesn't it? The slightly downturned head, the languidly held hat; it's as much about projecting power as projecting suitability for marriage, wouldn't you agree? Almost like a heraldic composition: stiff posture and symbolism. Curator: Absolutely! And those carefully rendered details -- the glint of light on the epaulettes, the delicate embroidery. It is like Linati is showing a continuity with artistic representation traditions used in royal portraits of past eras. Editor: I find myself drawn to that vignette, though. It is unusual to put the central figure in the foreground but almost erase the background; however, that little scene with the rider takes on dream-like symbolic dimension when juxtaposed against Prince Albert. The composition invites all sorts of interpretation. Curator: The symbols, especially in that era, were very telling. This sketch really gives us a good understanding of who Prince Albert was at that moment in time, as it offers us elements of Neoclassical form combined with an emphasis on portraying lineage and legacy. Editor: An intersection between representation and something almost surreal. Interesting, truly interesting!