Charles II de Gonzagues-Clèves, Duc de Mantoue, Duc de Montferrat, de Nevers et de Rethel, etc. c. 17th century

Editor: This engraving, by Robert Nanteuil, depicts Charles II de Gonzagues-Clèves, a Duke with quite the list of titles! I'm struck by the contrast between the softness of his hair and the rigid formality of his armour. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This portrait speaks volumes about power, representation, and the construction of identity in 17th-century Europe. Consider the performative aspect of nobility at this time. How does Nanteuil's depiction reinforce or challenge the expected image of a ruler? Editor: So, it's not just a likeness, but a statement? Curator: Precisely. The portrait is carefully constructed to convey authority, lineage, and perhaps even a certain vulnerability. It invites us to consider how power is both embodied and projected. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: And thank you, it is essential to continue to question the systems that produce such images.