Portretten van Anna van Nassau-Siegen en barones van Brederode, beiden als herderin 1640

Curator: Here we have a delightful double portrait by Crispijn van de Passe the Younger, dating from around 1640. It’s titled "Portraits of Anna of Nassau-Siegen and Baroness of Brederode, both as shepherdesses." Editor: Oh, they look so proper, though! I can see a playful kind of theatricality at play – I mean, what are the odds they ever saw a real sheep, much less herded one? Curator: It’s true; pastoral imagery was very much a courtly conceit, a kind of aristocratic fancy dress. Van de Passe has depicted these women— Anna of Nassau-Siegen on the left, the Baroness of Brederode on the right— as idealized figures, symbols of virtue and perhaps a carefully constructed image of themselves they wished to project. The staff, the hats, even the landscape glimpses, speak to a life removed from earthy reality, even as it alludes to simplicity and purity. Editor: The shepherdess archetype! Right—it’s everywhere. But what interests me is how, through these little affectations, class and station subtly creep in. Notice the pearl necklaces, or the ornamentation on the staff. Curator: Absolutely. And the landscape behind Anna hints at an idealised countryside vista, far removed from reality, I suspect. Each element of this composition would have spoken volumes to its contemporary audience. Editor: I imagine this print was intended for distribution and enjoyment amongst the elite. Are those inscriptions at the top their names? The whole scene reminds me of a slightly edgy valentine! A carefully crafted gift, playing with iconography. Curator: That’s a good observation. "ANASAVIA .C." and "LATIFONDIA B.B.", followed by initials. It seems these women were not only subjects but collaborators in the production of their own image. A lasting statement about themselves they decided to etch for the ages to observe. Editor: Fascinating stuff to consider now. The deliberate symbolism feels rich. These visual signals build a unique language specific to that historical moment and aristocratic echelon. I am struck at just how crafted and nuanced visual self-presentation can be. It resonates today with Instagram or other social media. It’s almost as if history truly repeats itself, with the same characters re-cast on slightly different sets. Curator: That's wonderfully put! In this double portrait we find layers of history, aspiration, and representation intertwined. A perfect piece to spend a bit more time examining for those interested.