Portret van graaf Johannes von Wilczek Possibly 1880 - 1884

Curator: Well, isn't he just resplendent? This is a portrait, "Portret van graaf Johannes von Wilczek," believed to be made sometime between 1880 and 1884. The artist, regrettably, remains unknown, but they worked in coloured pencil. Editor: Colour pencil, eh? At first glance, I assumed this was painted with oils or perhaps even tempera. There’s such a vibrancy about the reds and golds, and those billowing sleeves—so plush! It feels so indulgent and immediate. Curator: You’ve hit upon something fascinating – immediacy. It does capture a sense of the "here and now," doesn't it? It reminds me of a theater or festival costume and maybe evokes a sense of longing. Editor: Oh, festival definitely hits right, the craft itself, with what appears like hand-dyed fabrics and laborious golden embroidery, speaks to communities coming together for something, a shared moment of... defiance, perhaps. The weight of the textures in contrast with the youthful face is striking, too. Curator: Yes! It’s like a fairy tale illustration yearning to break free. Imagine what tales he holds! One almost wants to reach out and adjust his tiny little velvet cap... Or, better yet, rewrite history just to see this gorgeous fellow dance. Editor: The "what ifs" of it all, right? And coloured pencil, with its roots in drawing, reinforces the "art for all" possibilities that became quite radical in the late 19th century. But consider also the role the Count played in real life – the raw materials, the literal earthly matter that made him a figure. Curator: Indeed. So, a colour pencil sketch hinting at courtly elegance also gives voice to democratic possibilities. A funny tension that certainly colors my perception in a whole new and bright light. Editor: That tension you are pointing at reminds me that these things are always evolving as both medium and materials have never ceased. It's exciting.