Portret van Filips I, koning van Frankrijk after 1710

Curator: Looking at "Portret van Filips I, koning van Frankrijk," an engraving made after 1710, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, several points come to mind about the complex ways that royal identity was constructed and circulated through printed media. Editor: Oh, it feels so formal, doesn't it? That tiny crown perched on the giant furry hat… almost comical! But you know, strangely powerful. There's a directness to his gaze that really gets you. Curator: Exactly! These portrait engravings played a vital role in disseminating images of power. The choice of a print—particularly engraving—enabled a broad circulation that portraits in other media may not have. Nicolas de Larmessin the First ensured his art addressed a wider audience by capturing the likeness of the then-famous King Phillip the First. Editor: You’re right, the detail is incredible for a print. You see every tiny line in the fur trim, the meticulous details of the crown jewels, which gives it a kind of almost overwhelming sumptuousness. And it really speaks to how they wanted to be perceived—strong, wealthy, absolutely in charge. Curator: This particular portrait engages directly with history-painting and baroque sensibilities to create an intricate commentary about kingship at that time, reflecting on issues of social and political structure that transcend simply the likeness. Editor: Beyond just documentation, portraits like these served a really potent, persuasive purpose. Can't help wondering what Phillip would think if he saw his portrait inspiring audio tours centuries later. Curator: It truly does highlight the enduring influence that historical figures can hold and how we continue to reimagine those stories across different contexts. Editor: Absolutely! This reminds me how the most impactful images don’t just show us the past, they challenge us to think differently in the present.