Portret van Ernestus Philippus Gerhardus van Essen 1771 - 1772

Editor: This is Jacob Houbraken’s engraving from 1771-72, “Portret van Ernestus Philippus Gerhardus van Essen,” printed on paper. I’m struck by the formal, almost imposing nature of the portrait. How do you interpret this work, especially given the social context of the time? Curator: I see it as a powerful representation of Dutch societal structures in the late 18th century. This isn't just a picture of a man; it’s a careful construction of identity rooted in class and status. Note the deliberate details—his clothing, the setting, and even his gaze are all signifiers. How might we read his expression in relation to the socio-political hierarchies he inhabited? Editor: Well, he definitely looks self-assured. Almost like he knows his place in society and expects to be respected. It feels very much like an endorsement of the established order. Curator: Precisely. And think about the act of creating and circulating portraits like this. They functioned as tools for solidifying power. These images helped disseminate a specific vision of leadership. Can we see it also as propaganda, reinforcing existing power structures through visual representation? How might this be complicit, even in our contemporary context? Editor: So, it’s not just about historical accuracy but about the perpetuation of certain values. I suppose by showcasing it now we need to acknowledge and contextualize that element of power. Curator: Exactly. It’s about acknowledging that history is never neutral. These works are relics of specific societal power structures, reflecting embedded cultural biases and privileges that resonate even now. How can we ensure we see them critically, rather than as mere representations of the past?