Reproductie van een prent van een portret van keizer Matthias door Crispijn van de Passe I before 1880

Curator: Ah, yes, here we have an engraving depicting a portrait of Emperor Matthias, created by Crispijn van de Passe I. Although this is a reproduction, its date is placed sometime before 1880. What strikes you first about it? Editor: Power. All that ornate framing around the guy…eagles, crowns, crossed weapons... It’s trying too hard, isn't it? I feel like I should be trembling before a titan of history, but honestly, he looks like he’s just trying to remember where he parked his carriage. Curator: Well, Baroque portraiture did aim to project authority and status. Van de Passe was a master engraver. The original probably served a very clear propagandistic function. To project the grandeur and might of the Emperor. Editor: Propoganda, right, right. I always feel like I am getting punked with these historical portraits, you know? So much fuss for one rich guy. It’s beautifully executed, technically perfect and all, but doesn’t give me the feels. Like the detail in the armour – amazing, really – but then you notice the double headed eagles, you realize what the exercise really is about: Power, prestige, immortality... the usual suspect, as it were! Curator: Precisely. The visual language is intentional. Consider the historical context. Matthias reigned during a turbulent period. These images played a part in shaping the public's perception and consolidating his rule during times of war and religious divisions. The crossed weapons also symbolize his power. The detail work allowed it to be disseminated on a broader scale to solidify this messaging. Editor: Mmh, alright. History lesson learned. Can't escape history, can you? Maybe if you strip away all that stuff you get down to a real human in the centre. Look at those worried eyes of his. You can be an emperor, but still wake up at 3 AM with an existential angst, no? Curator: Perhaps! These reproductions enable a more extensive consideration of both Matthias and the socio-political functions of art. I do wonder what it would have been like to behold in the thick of things! Editor: Sure, context is all…still…nice jacket, though! That lace ruff is killer. Alright, moving on, my friend.