Portret van Ernst, aartshertog van Oostenrijk 1553 - 1599

Editor: Here we have a portrait of Ernst, Archduke of Austria, made sometime between 1553 and 1599. It's an engraving, giving it this incredibly detailed, almost lace-like quality. What strikes me is how formal and, well, *serious* he looks. It definitely speaks to a very different era. What do you make of it? Curator: Ah, yes. A stern visage indeed, captured in the delicate web of engraved lines. The stiffness might seem off-putting at first glance, but imagine the political climate of the time. This wasn't just a likeness, darling, it was a carefully constructed statement. I think he wanted to scream: Power! Influence! Do not mess. Think of it like an early modern meme, projecting the message of stability in unstable times. See the columned text? It's meant to instill respect in every who glimpses at this engraving. What emotions do the texts and the column evoke to you? Editor: I get that it's about power, absolutely. I mean, look at the armor, the elaborate ruff... it's all designed to impress. I suppose it's the *overtness* of it that I find a bit much. Subtlety clearly wasn't the goal here. So the intention here seems straightforward-- just show he's powerful, I guess. Curator: My dear, what is ever *just* straightforward? There’s almost a fragility hiding behind all that splendor. The eyes hint at the weight of responsibility. Also look, it may not be an accident he chose a print - by its nature a *reproducible* medium - how might *that* change your reaction? Editor: Hmm, making it reproducible… almost like branding? Spreading the image, solidifying his presence? Curator: Exactly! In fact, I would not be surprised to see that image disseminated to far reaches in Europe. He has certainly conquered our imagination by lasting throughout the ages! Editor: Fascinating! I had only thought of the superficial impression of power, but there's a lot more nuance when you dig deeper. Thanks!