Portret van Joannes de Romiet 1633

Editor: This is a print entitled *Portret van Joannes de Romiet* by Crispijn van de Passe II, dating back to 1633. It’s an engraving. I find it to be a rather formal portrait, capturing a distinguished gentleman, but what I’m wondering is, what do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s more than just a formal portrait. Consider the power dynamics at play in 17th-century Dutch society. Portraits like these were carefully constructed to project authority and status. De Romiet was a member of the elite class in the city, but what social message is it that the artist is communicating? What about the presence of Latin text surrounding the frame? Editor: The text suggests virtue and resilience, "virtus perseverantia"... so does that mean he wanted to project an image of not just power but also moral strength? Curator: Precisely. These portraits reinforced a narrative of social order, often overlooking the realities of inequality and exploitation within Dutch society at the time. Think about who was being excluded from these portrayals. Editor: So, by focusing only on the elite, these images perpetuated the existing power structures and essentially erased the stories and struggles of the majority. The composition subtly but actively bolstered the status quo. I never considered how something like this could function politically. Curator: Exactly. Art is never created in a vacuum. Consider also how gender, race, class and political beliefs influence the very definition of "virtue" portrayed here. And how does that compare to the current intersectional understanding? Editor: This has really made me think differently about the role of portraiture in shaping historical narratives and consider how this particular piece serves a powerful social and political purpose beyond just representation. Thank you. Curator: And hopefully consider its implications to our present and future society. Thanks for the enriching discussion.