Portret van Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne 1755

Editor: Here we have a fascinating engraved portrait from 1755, "Portret van Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne" by Nicolas Gabriel Dupuis. There's an interesting formality to the piece, almost like a medal. The precision is captivating. What do you see in this portrait? Curator: Well, isn’t it something? It whispers of powdered wigs and poised sculptors, doesn't it? Imagine Monsieur Lemoyne – quite the man, sculpted, quite literally, I mean, with an attitude sharper than the engraver’s burin, if you see what I mean. He's almost daring us to chip away at his persona, a real baroque standoff, no? And the circle itself, like an embrace or a target! How would you place yourself in that frame? Editor: That’s such an interesting point! I never considered the confrontational aspect of it before. It seemed so formal and official but thinking of it as confrontational shifts my understanding. Would you say that confrontational aspect is a marker of the time it was made? Curator: The confidence, I would. In the face of relentless social choreography and cultural upheaval the portrait stands firm, both an icon and a human in the crosshairs. Now, isn't that like life itself? And what of *our* pose for those looking to posterity? What version of ourselves will remain? Editor: That’s definitely something to think about, especially when looking at art from the past! Thanks for providing that perspective. I have so much to think about now. Curator: The pleasure is all mine! Until our next adventure of seeing ourselves through art!