Portret van Nicolas Boileau naar de Parnassus gedragen 1719

Editor: Here we have Bernard Picart's "Portret van Nicolas Boileau naar de Parnassus gedragen," an engraving from 1719 currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. I am struck by the rather grandiose scene, particularly given it's rendered as a small-scale print. There’s Boileau being… carried somewhere? What exactly is going on here? Curator: This is a fascinating example of how art was used to elevate individuals within the social and cultural landscape of the 18th century. We see Boileau, a celebrated French poet and critic, depicted in a highly allegorical scene. What's interesting is not just the portrait itself, but the entire staging of his ascent to Parnassus, the mythological home of the Muses. Consider how this print functions as a form of public relations, bolstering Boileau's reputation through association with classical ideals and deities. Editor: So it’s less about Boileau as a person, and more about promoting a particular image of him? It seems almost propagandistic. Curator: Exactly. Think about the role of the artist, Picart, and the commissioner of this work. They're actively constructing Boileau’s legacy, situating him within a specific intellectual and artistic lineage. What message are they trying to convey about the importance of the Arts and Boileau’s role in French society? Note that there is an inscription right below the image. What does it say? Editor: Uh... Something along the lines of: "...carried to Parnassus... Apollo extends his arms to receive him... the Muses are preparing garlands." So there's definitely a coordinated effort here, to really place Boileau at the center of all things arts and culture! Curator: Precisely! The placement of Apollo, God of arts, reaching for Boileau makes it an ambitious statement about Boileau's stature in the world of arts. Also notice how the technique and aesthetic appeal to specific tastes, targeting elite patrons, which reveals art's role within a hierarchical social structure. Editor: It really changes how I see it, knowing the image is meant to position Boileau so strategically. Thanks for sharing the social context. Curator: My pleasure. Understanding how these images functioned within their original context offers a more profound understanding of its creation, its messages and enduring cultural impact.