Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk (?) c. 18th century

Curator: Gazing out at us from the walls of the Harvard Art Museums is Charles Knight's print, "Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk (?)." What strikes you first about this image? Editor: The directness of his gaze is compelling. It's a frank and sturdy image; he appears like a man of action. I like how the cap subtly nods to his status. Curator: Yes, that cap, the beard, even the slightly rumpled shirt—it speaks to the visual language of power, doesn't it? Almost like an early form of branding. The beard in particular was becoming synonymous with virility and wisdom. Editor: Absolutely. And the artist captures the nuances perfectly. I wonder what story this print holds for those who encounter it today? Curator: I suspect it’s a reminder that images, even seemingly straightforward portraits, are always loaded with coded messages. Fascinating, isn't it? Editor: Indeed. A study in the enduring power of the visual symbol.