Portret van Sophia Hedwig van Brunswijk-Wolfenbüttel, Hendrik Casimir I, graaf van Nassau-Dietz, Willem Frederik, graaf van Nassau-Dietz, en Maurits, graaf van Nassau-Dietz 19th century

Curator: Here at the Rijksmuseum, we have an intriguing 19th-century print. It is entitled "Portret van Sophia Hedwig van Brunswijk-Wolfenbuttel, Hendrik Casimir I, graaf van Nassau-Dietz, Willem Frederik, graaf van Nassau-Dietz, en Maurits, graaf van Nassau-Dietz", but we believe the artist remains anonymous. Editor: What a mouthful of a title! My immediate impression is of a very formal scene, yet there is something gentle in the way the light caresses the figures. Almost a dreamlike quality, considering the severe Baroque architecture lurking in the background. Curator: Exactly! This engraving manages to blend the formal with a touch of humanity. Observe how the artist grouped the figures, especially the children. The semi-clad child at the left of the scene introduces a certain erotic element too. And then the background opens onto classical architecture with columns that add another layer to this family portrait... It is quite interesting. Editor: You are absolutely right! There is definitely a narrative at play. I see the artist creating tension between what feels almost like maternal softness, with her nurturing pose holding one of her children, contrasted with these hard architectural features we see on the sides. Look at the flowers! Placed perfectly in the middle ground. It suggests growth, hope... prosperity, of course. Curator: These portraits tend to do this! But the academic and even somewhat history-painting style of this engraving can still touch upon some tenderness, if one squints hard enough and makes enough allowance for a period’s preferences. I think that the printmaker here knew their trade well and played on the codes of aristocracy in their time. Editor: I completely agree, in an indirect way it almost unveils a story about social aspirations from the late 19th century. It has layers indeed! What a delightful find, really; thank you for bringing my attention to it. Curator: The pleasure was all mine. Seeing art with you always enriches the viewing. Thank you!