Portret van Ferdinand, hertog van Parma 1702 - 1764

Francesco Zucchi made this print of Ferdinand, Duke of Parma, sometime in the mid-18th century, using engraving. The image presents Ferdinand, at just 15 years old, as a figure of power and intellect. Notice the globe behind him. In portraits, globes were often used to symbolize power over the world, or intellectual curiosity. Ferdinand's family, the Bourbons, were keen to be seen as enlightened rulers with international ambition. This image creates meaning by connecting Ferdinand to the visual codes of monarchy, but also to the idea of a learned prince interested in science and geography. To understand this image fully, we might explore the history of the Bourbon dynasty, especially their complicated relations with the rest of Europe at this time, recorded in letters and state papers. Doing so would reveal the political strategies behind images such as this one, and the public role that art played in them.