Anna Elisabeth Christina Van Tuyll Van Serooskerken 

Editor: This is "Anna Elisabeth Christina Van Tuyll Van Serooskerken," a portrait in oil paint attributed to Jean-Étienne Liotard. There's something so captivating about the formality and the colors; a sort of quiet luxury. What strikes you when you look at this portrait? Curator: Well, first, darling, let's dive into that towering hair! It's magnificent, isn't it? Almost a world unto itself, perched jauntily above a rather self-possessed face. For me, it's a fabulous exercise in capturing both external display and, perhaps more subtly, the interior world of the sitter. The blue bows pop against the almost severe tones in the dress and wig. They hint at hidden passions, don't they? Editor: Hidden passions, that's a beautiful way to put it. It's not the most revealing expression; but definitely hints at something simmering beneath the surface. How do you think a contemporary audience would have reacted? Curator: I suspect they would have been drawn in, perhaps with a touch of envy, a little admiration, and a generous dollop of curiosity. These portraits are, after all, designed to fascinate as much as they are to commemorate. Editor: It’s fascinating how much a seemingly simple portrait can hold. Thanks for sharing your perspective! Curator: My absolute pleasure! I will never see this the same. Thank you for making me stop and wonder!