Jean-Baptiste van Steenberghen 1668

Curator: Gazing at this print, I am immediately drawn to the somber elegance, that quiet intensity. Editor: Indeed. Robert Nanteuil created this portrait of Jean-Baptiste van Steenberghen. What strikes me is how he’s positioned within this oval frame, almost like a coin, a symbol of power. Curator: Oh, absolutely! It reminds me of those old Roman busts, capturing a particular gravitas. I wonder, what was it like to sit for Nanteuil? Did van Steenberghen feel self-conscious? Editor: Considering the inscription around the portrait—"Advocate of the Fiscal Interests of the King"—van Steenberghen was likely quite aware of his status, his role as a defender of the Crown. Curator: Yes, he must have been so aware of the power he held. Editor: It's a fascinating reminder of the connections between art, power, and the construction of identity. Curator: Absolutely. It's more than just a portrait, it's a statement.