Jerome Napoleon, King of Westphalie, French Prince c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Johann Gotthard Müller’s portrait of Jerome Napoleon. The detail in the engraving is incredible. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Note the precise rendering of the luxurious fabrics, each tassel and fold. This isn't just about representation; it's about the labor and materials that signify power. Consider, who profited from the production of those textiles, and how were they consumed? Editor: So, you're saying the print isn't just about Jerome, but the system that created him? Curator: Exactly! The image is a commodity, reflecting the opulence of the Napoleonic court and the exploitation inherent in its production. What does the circulation of such images tell us about the construction of celebrity? Editor: I see it now, it's not just a portrait but a document of an entire economic structure. Curator: Precisely. Art as a product of its time.