Ferdinand Maria, Duke of Bavaria 1676

Curator: This is a portrait of Ferdinand Maria, Duke of Bavaria, rendered by Karl Gustav von Amling. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The detail achieved in this engraving is striking! Look at the delicate lace and the reflective surfaces of his armor, all captured in monochrome. Curator: Absolutely. This portrait speaks volumes about the Duke's status and power. The armor, the inscription, the very act of commissioning such a piece—all contribute to a carefully constructed image of authority. Editor: Though, one could argue that the artist's dedication to detail nearly overwhelms the composition. The textures fight for attention. Curator: Perhaps, but it's precisely this richness that reflects the baroque era’s aesthetic values, and the complex political theater in which Ferdinand Maria operated. Editor: I see your point. It is fascinating how the visual components mirror the Duke's need to project strength and sophistication. Curator: Indeed. It's a testament to Amling’s skill that he captured so much in a single image.