Portret van Willem I, prins van Oranje 1614

Editor: This is a portrait of Willem I, Prince of Orange, created in 1614, an engraving on paper by an anonymous artist. The detail is really striking. It gives him a very regal and stern appearance, what stands out for you in this work? Curator: What strikes me is the intense gaze, the etched lines creating such depth. This isn’t just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed persona. The rigid lines of the print contrast the soft fur and lace. The anonymous artist really played with textures to give shape to the man and his political strength. Editor: It's interesting how a printed image can feel so deliberate. What do you mean by "persona?" Curator: Good question. It feels less like a casual snapshot and more like an official statement, carefully crafted for public consumption, decades after his death. "Here," the print seems to declare, "is a man of fortitude." The text, "founder of Leiden University," adds another layer of intended immortality. Editor: So the image is trying to tell us something specific about who he was and how he wanted to be remembered? Curator: Exactly. It’s a reminder that even portraits are arguments, carefully constructed to sway opinion and shape history, one etching at a time. Are we still doing that today? Editor: Definitely, and I’ll certainly look at portraits differently from now on. Thanks for sharing your insights! Curator: My pleasure! It’s always rewarding to find new doors to enter an image through.