Portret van François de Chevert c. 1816 - 1826

Curator: We’re standing before "Portret van François de Chevert," a print made by Louis Marie Normand sometime between 1816 and 1826. It’s part of the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by this sense of… formality, but also frailty. It’s very delicate, isn’t it? The portrait itself is so contained, almost floating above all this text. Curator: Yes, Normand crafted this as an engraving, a testament to the Neoclassical style, part of a series titled "Great Frenchmen." We have the image, framed by weapons and trophies. Editor: Those grand Frenchmen always looked good amidst piles of weaponry! It reminds me of ornate banknotes or stamps, these symbols of power. I imagine it was to inspire some kind of patriotism. I can almost hear the drums rolling! Curator: Indeed! The arms around the portrait act as visual cues, emphasizing Chevert’s military achievements and evoking ideals of honor. He served in many notable military campaigns. Editor: I suppose it’s intended as a commemorative, perhaps with a lesson for future generations? The inscription 'Great Frenchmen' says it all, really. I am not well versed in French to read what is said below! Curator: Absolutely, it serves as a cultural memory device. Chevert as a visual icon is forever connected to his place in the Grand Narrative of the Nation. Editor: Looking closely, there is the soft grey that comes with engravings. A melancholy softness despite its initial display of strength. It does make me reflect about glory being as fragile as paper in time. Curator: Precisely. In its time, print media offered accessible and replicable ideals of excellence, allowing the proliferation of particular virtues for citizens to emulate. Editor: And today we consider the same piece within a completely different cultural setting… and as visitors looking at an art, hopefully we take a moment to think about those different settings. Curator: Yes, from its initial message about power, the artwork remains resonant in its new museum setting to explore shifting values around national heroes, violence, and collective identity.