Kostuum van Philippe de Crèvecoeur d'Esquerdes uit het drama Louis XI à Péronne 1826

Editor: This watercolor and drawing from 1826 by Louis Boulanger depicts the costume of Philippe de Crèvecoeur d'Esquerdes. It's incredibly detailed! The armor and fabric look so tangible. How should we understand Boulanger's approach here? Curator: We have to consider the production of such a depiction. It serves as both documentation and design, relying heavily on the labor involved in crafting these historical representations. Editor: So, beyond just illustrating a historical figure, you’re interested in what it tells us about its creation? Curator: Exactly! Boulanger uses watercolor, which allows for precise rendering of textures and light on materials like steel and velvet. But why prioritize such accurate detail? Is it pure historical interest or does it engage with broader trends in art and design, reflecting new forms of patronage, material acquisition and taste? Editor: I see, it reflects an engagement with materiality. Does that tie into the Romanticism movement then, given its emphasis on realism and emotional engagement with the past? Curator: In part. Romanticism looked back, sure, but I think this represents more a form of engagement with history and production through costume and, even, theater, right? Consider that, at the time, many artistic practices started being regulated by new consumption rules and institutions. That could certainly influence someone’s process. What do you think? Editor: That's a compelling point. Considering it as more than just an image of a costume makes it so much richer. The socio-economic dimension is something I hadn't really considered, but which resonates a lot when you consider all the labour and means behind it. Curator: Precisely! This piece is just one element in a complex web of labor, consumption, and historical representation. Editor: I hadn’t considered those connections. That emphasis on the process gives me a new way of approaching artworks, especially historical ones.