Portret van George Anson 1760 - 1766

Editor: Here we have Jacob Houbraken's engraving "Portret van George Anson," made sometime between 1760 and 1766. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. What I find interesting is the detail despite being an engraving and its role in circulating this individual's image. What do you see when you look at this piece, especially within its historical context? Curator: This portrait presents us with several interesting avenues for historical analysis. Firstly, consider the role of printmaking during this period. Engravings like this were instrumental in disseminating images of prominent figures like George Anson, a British admiral. This becomes a form of public image construction. How do you think its display contributes to his legacy? Editor: It solidifies his position and spreads awareness of him to others. But I can see it can also skew views or romanticize who he actually was. Do you see how prints like these reinforce the power dynamics of the time? Curator: Absolutely. The engraving functions as a tool of power. It was commissioned, produced, and distributed within a specific network of patronage and commerce. Who gets to be represented, and how they are represented, tells us much about the social values and hierarchies of the period. Think about the very act of choosing Anson as a subject; this reveals something about the values that are worth upholding by society and to future generations. Editor: So, it's not just a portrait of an admiral but also a historical document reflecting the power structures of 18th-century society? Curator: Precisely. And notice how the Baroque style adds to this sense of grandeur and authority. These engravings helped construct and perpetuate narratives of power. It's really fascinating to consider its many layers. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way before, but now I understand how much more these artworks say about that society's structure. Thank you!