Portret van Albrecht van Beieren, graaf van Holland en Henegouwen 1745

Editor: So, this is a print from 1745, “Portrait of Albrecht of Bavaria, Count of Holland and Hainaut,” by Hendrik Spilman. It's… regal, but also a bit stiff, wouldn’t you say? I’m curious, what’s your take on this portrayal? Curator: It's more than just a regal image, isn’t it? Let's consider the socio-political context. The Baroque style often served as a form of propaganda, reinforcing power structures. How does Spilman use visual cues, like the armor and coat-of-arms, to construct Albrecht’s identity and legitimize his rule? The use of engraving makes me think that these could have been disseminated widely... who were the intended audiences and why would his likeness need to be shared this way? Editor: The engraving, the armour, it definitely projects authority. I suppose, considering the date, this was perhaps created to remind people of their lineage, especially after periods of upheaval? Is the image perhaps reaching back, or legitimising some current claim or assertion through historical precedent? Curator: Exactly. Think about how history paintings and portraits often function not just as records but as arguments. The "accuracy" isn’t the point, is it? Spilman presents a specific version of Albrecht—a powerful ruler linked to a noble past, at a time when the power of aristocracy may have been questioned or threatened by outside forces. We might wonder if this representation is being projected at the expense of others, those not documented, not given the same space in the picture frame, or in society. Editor: So, we need to read beyond just the surface of the image. Look at whose story is being told, but equally who it isn't? Thanks, that shifts how I see it. It's not just a historical portrait, it's a political statement. Curator: Precisely! And by asking ourselves these questions, we begin to unveil the complex web of power, representation, and social narratives that art carries within it. Now consider this new context alongside your first impression…