Captain's Love Letter 1631 - 1641

Curator: This print, "Captain's Love Letter" by Abraham Bosse, dating from 1631 to 1641, isn't just a charming genre scene. Look closely at the power dynamics at play. Editor: It's currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and yes, I noticed the clear class differences between the figures depicted! It's an intimate scene but with some strange visual imbalance and subtle sad feeling. How do you read into it? Curator: Considering the socio-political context, the engraving speaks volumes. The captain, seemingly declaring his love, stands above a possibly enslaved or indentured boy who delivers the letter. How does their physical positioning speak to their relationship? Editor: I see what you mean! The Captain's stance is very dominating while the smaller person seems almost fearful. Is Bosse trying to critique social hierarchy through satire here? Curator: It is difficult to say whether Bosse critiqued social conventions or reinforced them. While the text borders the image, its frame makes the characters look as though they are on a stage performing an important, formal ritual. What can we say about rituals that mask other dynamics that were otherwise not socially sanctioned? Editor: Interesting thought. It appears celebratory to read about ‘love,’ and 'marriage’ when maybe the relationship in the picture should be addressed, challenged, or avoided! Thank you, I never would have noticed that perspective without you. Curator: Exactly! Bosse’s work opens a space to analyze intersectional themes present even centuries ago, and question normative societal behaviors. Editor: I will remember this lens of cultural analysis.