Portret van Karel III, hertog van Bourbon 1838 - 1841

Editor: We're looking at "Portret van Karel III, hertog van Bourbon," a print made between 1838 and 1841, now at the Rijksmuseum. The artist is anonymous. The steely look of the armour, all captured in these delicate engraved lines... it's imposing. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: Ah, yes, a formidable figure indeed, rendered with such delicate precision. For me, it's the inherent tension. The rigid armour, symbolic of power and strength, juxtaposed with the soft, almost melancholic gaze of the subject. The artist has somehow captured the weight of leadership, wouldn't you agree? I mean, look at the slightly weary stance; it speaks volumes. What do you make of the details in the background? Editor: I hadn't really noticed them at first. I was too caught up in the portrait. Is that supposed to be his desk? Curator: I fancy it is. The items on the desk subtly suggest a scholarly pursuit amidst the battles and political maneuvering. Do you think it makes us look at the portrait differently? Makes it, dare I say, a tad more…human? Editor: Definitely. I like that—a sense of the human underneath the armor. I’d never thought about prints being able to convey so much depth. Curator: Prints can often surprise, just like the dukes hidden within us! A brilliant reminder that art can be found where we least expect it!