Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset 1738

Editor: This is Jacobus Houbraken's engraving of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset. The detailed linework gives it a formal air, almost like a historical document. What strikes you about this portrait? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the image of power being presented here, isn't it? Look at the scene below the portrait – a royal figure, kneeling, receiving something. How does that context influence our understanding of Seymour’s portrait? Editor: It suggests a transfer of power or perhaps an act of submission. I hadn’t focused on that scene initially. Curator: Exactly. And what about the executioner’s axe at the base? Consider the implications: Power, patronage, but also the constant threat of its loss. It’s a potent reminder of the precariousness of privilege in the Tudor era. Editor: So, it's not just a portrait, but a commentary on the political climate? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to question the narratives around historical figures, and the systems of power they inhabited. Editor: That's a powerful way to view it. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's always about looking beyond the surface.