Portret van Karel IV hertog van Lotharingen 1624 - 1650

Editor: This is "Portret van Karel IV hertog van Lotharingen," or Portrait of Charles IV, Duke of Lorraine, made between 1624 and 1650 by Matthäus Merian. It's an engraving, so a print, in monochrome. The level of detail is astonishing. What strikes me is the sort of…determined seriousness in his gaze. What do you see when you look at this print? Curator: Oh, I'm instantly transported! That elaborate lace collar practically screams "Baroque." But more than just fashion, that level of fussy detail, to me, is an expression of power— the time, expense, and sheer *labor* required to produce and maintain clothing like that… and then have it immortalized. Who could afford such a luxury in those times? That portrait really whispers tales of status. Does it tell you anything about that period, culturally? Editor: Definitely the wealth. I’m now thinking about the precision required to create something like this with engraving. The detail is extraordinary. But you almost feel distanced from the Duke, don’t you? It’s about presentation and formality above all else. Curator: Absolutely. It’s interesting you say "distanced." In our age of instant selfies, we expect immediacy. These formal portraits, I feel, remind us that image was carefully constructed – almost like a brand, a kingly “personal brand.” They certainly weren’t sharing candid moments! It makes you think, what are we *not* seeing here? Editor: That's such a great point about carefully curated image! It sounds trite, but portraits really did communicate the power that wealth can afford, even back then. I didn't pick that up until now. Curator: Right? Thinking about art as constructed realities is key. The experience enriches your way of looking every time you examine these pieces more and more.