Pierre Corneille c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Étienne Ficquet's portrait of Pierre Corneille. The dimensions of the image are about 14 by 9 centimeters. What do you make of it? Editor: Intricate, certainly. The cherub and the eagle give it a flair, and the laurel wreath around Corneille’s portrait suggests accomplishment. Curator: Absolutely. Ficquet was a master of engraving, and you can see that in the fine lines and details. The materiality of the print itself - the paper, the ink - speaks to a specific mode of artistic production and consumption in its time. Editor: Right, but I think the artist’s vision is what matters most. The composition, the way the light falls on Corneille's face… it's all quite striking. It conveys a certain gravitas. Curator: Gravitas, yes, but also status. The print was likely made for distribution, contributing to Corneille's public image and the broader cultural economy surrounding literary figures. Editor: I still believe that there's something incredibly affecting and beautiful, the engraver has captured the depth of the human spirit, regardless of those social functions. Curator: A balance, then, of method and emotion. Editor: Precisely. A harmonious blend!