Coppenol c. 18th century

Curator: This is "Coppenol" by Pierre François Basan, from the 18th century. Editor: The man's gaze is very intense, it feels almost confrontational, doesn't it? And he is holding a quill and a piece of paper. Curator: Indeed. Basan was a printmaker and this piece likely circulated widely, shaping perceptions of the sitter. Editor: The quill and paper immediately suggest intellect and authority. Was he a writer, perhaps? A scholar? Curator: The piece would have offered 18th-century viewers a specific kind of access to this man's identity and profession. The image itself performs cultural work. Editor: A captivating portrait. It leaves me pondering the power of images to define and solidify social roles. Curator: Agreed. And how Basan harnessed that power through printmaking.