Sir Barnard Astley (?) c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Thomas Worlidge’s engraving of Sir Barnard Astley. Editor: He looks as if he's seen a ghost, rather stiff and formal, yet there's an undeniable melancholy in his eyes. Curator: Indeed, Worlidge, active in the 18th century, specialized in portraiture, often focusing on the gentry. Editor: It is intriguing how the lace ruff and patterned doublet are rendered with such fine detail, nearly photographic, which is something for the time. Curator: The print reflects the period's emphasis on status and the sitter’s identity as "The Engraving Collector", revealing the rise of print collecting as a genteel pursuit. Editor: I appreciate that this allows us a peek into the world of 18th-century aesthetics and collecting through the portrayal of a man who must have loved engravings. Curator: It's always fascinating to see these windows into the past, especially how collecting itself becomes a part of one's identity. Editor: Agreed; it makes you wonder about the stories behind the works he collected, doesn't it?