Portret van hertogin van Mecklenburg-Strelitz, geboren groothertogin van Rusland 1860 - 1870

Editor: We're looking at a photograph, a gelatin silver print, likely taken between 1860 and 1870. The artwork, titled "Portret van hertogin van Mecklenburg-Strelitz, geboren groothertogin van Rusland", seems rather formal and somber. Krull is credited as the artist. What captures your attention in this portrait? Curator: It's the subject's unwavering gaze that draws me in, isn’t it? There’s a strength there, even vulnerability, wouldn’t you agree? But consider this – photography at this time wasn’t like our quick snaps today. It was a deliberate, almost theatrical act. Editor: That makes sense. So, how do you think the process of taking a photo then influences our reading of the image now? Curator: Think about it – each pose, each garment was meticulously chosen to convey status and character. It’s almost as if she's crafting her own narrative, deciding how she'll be remembered. What would you imagine her concerns to be? As Duchess she would naturally have familial duties on her mind, no? Editor: Definitely societal expectations, perhaps? The artist must have wanted to depict the Duchess with dignity but it's as if a mask has been crafted to hide behind. Curator: Exactly, Krull perhaps managed to lift the veil ever so slightly. So a photographer, with sensitivity and intuition, might coax out an extra, unguarded something... Do you agree or is this simply romantic overthinking? Editor: Maybe a bit of both? But looking closer, her hand seems to rest very lightly, a slight tension suggesting vulnerability, so it does feel more revealing now! Curator: Beautiful, now *that* is looking closely, it gives a very different impression doesn't it? I shall look at this picture anew after today!