Portret van John Flavel 1670 - 1725

Editor: This is a print titled "Portret van John Flavel" by Michiel van der Gucht, dating sometime between 1670 and 1725. It’s an engraving and feels very formal. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: The method of production itself is most intriguing. Look closely at the engraving: consider the labor invested in creating this image through meticulously carving lines into a metal plate. This wasn't just about capturing a likeness, but about crafting a reproducible image. Editor: Reproducible for what purpose? Curator: Exactly! How might the rise of printmaking impact the consumption and distribution of images of authority figures? It democratizes access but also transforms the very idea of a portrait. The engraving technique itself—the very materiality of the piece—speaks to the changing social landscape and the burgeoning of image-based economies. Think about the intended audience and how the engraving of "Portret van John Flavel" could circulate ideas of social class or religion at the time. Editor: That's fascinating; I never considered the economics of portraiture. Curator: And what does the ornamentation tell us about this production for popular consumption? It is, after all, an embellished and framed depiction. Editor: Right. The details in the oval frame give it a sense of luxury, despite being a print. This makes me consider what was the cost for a copy and where this would likely hang. Curator: Precisely. By examining the material processes and the intended audience, we gain valuable insights into the society that produced and consumed this print. Editor: I definitely have a different perspective on portraiture after our conversation. Thank you!