Fame Carrying a Portrait of Cardinal Mazarin c. 17th century

Editor: This is Charles Le Brun's "Fame Carrying a Portrait of Cardinal Mazarin," a drawing at the Harvard Art Museums. It seems to be a study, with visible strokes of red and gray chalk. What do you see in terms of the materials used and their implications? Curator: Notice how the chalk allows for quick, expressive lines. This speaks to the work's function as a preparatory sketch rather than a finished piece. The economy of means emphasizes the power dynamics at play; Mazarin’s image, even in draft, is presented as something to be celebrated, consumed. How does the use of this medium affect your perception of Mazarin's power? Editor: It feels like a behind-the-scenes glimpse at image-making, revealing the labor involved. I hadn't thought about the economic aspect. Curator: Exactly. And understanding the production – the paper, the chalk, the artist’s time – helps us deconstruct the glorification. Editor: So, the medium itself is part of the message. Fascinating!