Jacques Savary c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have Gérard Edelinck's portrait of Jacques Savary, held at the Harvard Art Museums. The details of the engraving are so fine. Editor: Yes, it's interesting to see the textures achieved with line alone. I'm drawn to the way the engraver used cross-hatching to build up the tones in Savary’s face and the elaborate wig. Curator: The wig itself is a powerful symbol, isn't it? A marker of status, of belonging to a particular elite. It speaks volumes about the social hierarchy of the time. Editor: Absolutely, and the printing process itself reinforces that hierarchy. Engraving like this demanded skill and precision, indicating a specialized labor force. It's not just an image, but a product of a particular social and economic system. Curator: And consider the inscription below the portrait, praising Savary's wisdom and integrity. It reinforces the image of him as a man of authority and judgment. Editor: Good point. So, the choice of materials and production methods, along with the symbolic language of the image, all contribute to conveying a very specific message about power and status. Curator: Precisely. It gives one pause to consider all the hands that went into creating and disseminating this image. Editor: Indeed. It’s more than just ink on paper; it’s the culmination of craft and intent, isn’t it?