Portrait of George Bredehoff de Vicq as Ganymede c. 17th century

Curator: This is Nicolaes Maes’ “Portrait of George Bredehoff de Vicq as Ganymede.” It's an oil on canvas piece, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, talk about a power move! That chubby little cherub riding an eagle just oozes confidence, doesn’t it? The drama of that red cloth… Curator: Indeed. Consider the socio-political context. The de Vicq family, prominent in Dutch society, commissioned Maes. This portrait appropriates classical mythology to elevate their son's status. Editor: Oh, definitely! But look at those feathery strokes against the swirling sky. It feels less about status, more about a child's wild dream taking flight. Don't you feel the air rushing by? Curator: The materiality speaks volumes. The expensive pigments, the careful layering... It’s a display of wealth and a commentary on access. Editor: You’re right, of course. But I see a storybook image too, full of wind and wonder. Curator: It’s a fascinating blend of display and imagination. Editor: I'll never look at baby portraits the same way again!