Ulrik Frederik Waldemar Løvendal 1703 - 1757

Editor: We're looking at a print, an engraving, depicting "Ulrik Frederik Waldemar Løvendal" made sometime between 1703 and 1757. It seems to show a powerful man in armor. I am interested in what makes it more than just a depiction of power, what nuances I am missing, maybe? What do you see in this work? Curator: This portrait! I'm immediately drawn to the contrasts. The rigid formality of the armour and frame against, perhaps, the almost fleshy, very human face peering out from within it all. A question, more of a playful thought: do you get the sense the artist enjoyed depicting the texture of metal, the tiny details, more than they enjoyed rendering, shall we say, *the sitter's rather formidable presence*? It's a beautifully crafted image but...slightly satirical perhaps? A little wink from the artist, Johann Christoph Sysang? Editor: I do see the slight exaggeration of the facial features now that you point that out! And you are so right: The detail in the armor seems almost lovingly rendered. What do you think a contemporary viewer might have thought? Curator: Ah, that’s a marvelous question! They may well have been less focused on any subtle artistic critique, seeing only the representation of power and status. These prints served to circulate images of important figures, shaping public perception and reinforcing social hierarchies. Do you think we've lost some of that context simply by being removed from the period itself? Editor: I think so. It’s hard to know what was commonly understood then, the assumed knowledge. It really changes how we might interpret it. I initially saw only the surface, now, it seems there's so much more depth hidden there. Curator: Precisely! The piece, on the one hand is the art, and, on the other, our reaction *to* the art... perhaps we ought to think of those things as two separate ideas in order to appreciate both a little better. A little historical humility never hurts.