Portret van Charles Lenos 1723 - 1756

Editor: Here we have John (II) Faber's engraving of "Portret van Charles Lenos," dating from somewhere between 1723 and 1756. It strikes me as incredibly formal, almost staged. All those robes and frills! What catches your eye? Curator: Ah, yes, Faber. He had a knack for capturing that Baroque flair. But beneath the surface, I sense a vulnerability. Look at the hand, resting somewhat heavily. The weight of duty, perhaps? Do you feel the subject's gaze following you? It’s a clever trick, a conversation across centuries. But it's not just a stiff portrait. Notice the textures. The velvet looks like you could reach out and touch it. Editor: That is pretty incredible. I didn't notice all the textures on first look. What about the historical context? Curator: Charles Lennox was quite the figure. The Duke of Richmond, Lennox and Aubigny. It's pure visual propaganda! The engraving flattens details that a painter would emphasize. But don't underestimate the power of print in disseminating an image, solidifying power. Think of it as the social media of the 18th century! How does that perspective change the way you read the image? Editor: I guess I was thinking about the detail as an artistic achievement. Thinking about the context like that, it's fascinating! Curator: Precisely! It makes you wonder about Faber's intentions as well, doesn’t it? Were they just a skilled craftsman, or did they imbue the piece with their own reading of Charles Lennox? The unanswered questions are the most thrilling part for me, actually. Editor: I see it in a totally new light now! It's a powerful image beyond just its artistic style. Thanks!