Portret van Robert Monckton c. 1755 - 1765

Curator: Here we have James McArdell’s portrait of Robert Monckton, dating from about 1755 to 1765, a striking engraving currently housed here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first thought? Stately. There's an air of seriousness, even pomposity, hanging around this Brigadier General. And all the architectural and military allusions do serve him right, although I do think he should not wear so many different decorative elements, less is more... Curator: He was quite the man of action, Robert Monckton, Governor of Anapolis and Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. McArdell masterfully uses the engraving technique to highlight Monckton’s confident stance and dignified expression. Look at the way the light catches the fabric of his coat! Editor: I’m always fascinated by the engraving process itself, how these images, seemingly simple, demanded painstaking labor. Consider the physical effort and skill involved in creating such a detailed print. How many hours of labour did it take, who owned the copper plate, how much did it cost? I bet our Brigadier here did not put any work into it... Curator: You are correct in pointing out the value and skill involved! Think about how printmaking democratized portraiture. Before this, only the wealthiest could afford painted portraits. Engravings made images of prominent figures accessible to a wider audience. In terms of composition and balance, Monckton strikes a very interesting and heroic pose in the space. Editor: Democratization, yes, but even reproduced, prints still signify status, they require particular machinery. And let's not forget the context of this man’s life – the governance, colonization, even subjugation behind it, the copper that funded it... I am very sensitive to the value of labour. These beautiful items, from paper to printing press to ink were not here from "nothing", it implies people's work. Curator: Indeed. By imbuing this medium with such grandiosity, McArdell captures not only Monckton's likeness, but also the spirit of an age where image and authority were powerfully intertwined. Editor: Yes, that heroic pose is meticulously manufactured...Well, it has been interesting and enlightening looking into this. Thanks. Curator: Agreed, another fascinating look into an artistic portrait of the Baroque! Thank you too.