Portret van Christian August, hertog van Saksen-Zeitz, bisschop van Raab 1670 - 1713

Editor: This is a portrait of Christian August, Duke of Saxony-Zeitz, Bishop of Raab, dating from somewhere between 1670 and 1713. It's an engraving by Pieter Schenk, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. I'm struck by the formality, almost the weight of the Baroque style… all those curls! What do you see when you look at this portrait? Curator: Well, those *are* rather impressive curls, aren’t they? Beyond the hair, I’m drawn to the expression in his eyes. There’s a kind of world-weariness there, isn’t there? And think about the symbols of power presented: the ornate cross, the finery of his garments. Schenk is reminding us of August's dual authority – temporal as a Duke and spiritual as a Bishop. Do you get the sense of someone entirely at peace, though? Editor: Not really. I guess there's something a little melancholic in his gaze. Maybe it’s just the shading of the engraving technique? It gives it a sort of sombre feel. Curator: Perhaps, but I wonder if Schenk is also hinting at the tensions inherent in wielding both religious and political power during that era. The Baroque period was all about dramatic contrasts and internal struggles, right? And portraits were never *just* portraits, were they? They are carefully constructed statements. Think of them as the original social media profiles! Editor: So, more than just a likeness, it’s a statement about power, and maybe even the burden of power? It makes you wonder what was going through Christian August's mind. Curator: Exactly! And that, to me, is the magic of a good portrait. It’s an invitation to step into the sitter's world and imagine their story. Editor: I definitely see that now. Thanks, that was incredibly insightful!