Portret van koning Wilhelm I van Pruisen, omringd door kleinere portretten van Bismarck en generaals 1866

Editor: This photo print from 1866, by H. Prothmann, features King Wilhelm I of Prussia, surrounded by smaller portraits of Bismarck and other generals. It feels very… official, very staged. I'm curious, what do you see in this piece beyond a simple group portrait? Curator: It’s definitely more than a snapshot! Consider the historical moment. 1866 was a pivotal year in Prussian history, right before their rise to dominate German politics. This image presents Wilhelm I as the central, paternal figure, legitimized by his military and political circle. It is all about establishing the symbolic order, it reflects a deliberate construction of power through visual representation, how would this impact the viewer at the time? Editor: So it's less about individual likenesses and more about projecting an image of consolidated power and strength? It's almost propaganda. Curator: Precisely. How were photographic portraits being utilized in political culture? Note also how this image was reproduced as a print - an inherently reproducible and disseminable form - it makes us think about access and public consumption. Think about who had access to this image and what impact that has in cementing Wilhelm as the rightful leader? Editor: It seems like it served the specific political purposes of solidifying King Wilhelm’s leadership, at a time of social changes and the build up to the Franco Prussian war. I wonder how those portrayed experienced this use of their own images. Curator: Exactly! It gives you insight to what role of images and arts played at that moment. I will also like to think about who was excluded from this circle. What statement that makes for the population? Editor: Wow, I hadn’t considered the statement about inclusion, I appreciate your sharing your insights with me! Curator: You are very welcome. I believe questioning assumptions can broaden our views about art.