Hans Holbein the Younger c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have a print of Hans Holbein the Younger by Andries Jacobsz Stock, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's such a strength to this portrait, even in this reproduction. The serious, direct gaze, framed by that cap and beard—it feels like a very deliberate construction of authority. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the context in which it was created. Holbein was a court painter. Images were crucial to power, solidifying reputations and projecting influence. Editor: Holbein's face, as captured here, has become symbolic. It's an image of artistic mastery but also, more broadly, of the Renaissance man. The beard, the hat— they all speak to a certain ideal. Curator: His image became a public commodity through prints like this one. It circulates ideas about artistry and reputation, contributing to Holbein’s legacy. Editor: It's compelling how a single image can carry such weight, reminding us of the enduring power of visual symbols across centuries. Curator: Indeed. It serves as a potent reminder of the deliberate role art plays in shaping our understanding of historical figures.