Portret van Joseph von Sperges 1749 - 1796

Curator: This is an engraving dating back to 1778, titled "Portret van Joseph von Sperges," made by Johann Ernst Mansfeld. Editor: Oh, my! It’s austere, almost painfully formal. He's framed, literally and figuratively, a bit like a prized insect under glass, wouldn't you say? Curator: That formality certainly speaks to the social conventions of the late 18th century. This kind of portrait was very much about presenting status, solidifying reputations. You see it across aristocratic portraiture during that period. Editor: I see the *purpose*, yes. But I can't shake the feeling of distance. Look at the crispness of his jacket. The detailing is immaculate but where’s the person? Or is the *person* secondary, almost an afterthought, to the meticulously rendered image? Curator: In a way, yes. Engravings like this were often reproduced and distributed widely. So they were, in essence, a very early form of mass media intended to broadcast certain ideals, like sophistication, wealth and position, throughout society. Sperges would likely have commissioned this image with that aim. Editor: Mass media! It does give a chilling edge to it all. Does anyone truly possess the ability to be seen in such a limited format? How sad and wonderful it is when the viewer feels he needs more context from this image. Curator: And Mansfeld, as the engraver, is almost acting as a conduit – reproducing the likeness while also participating in the social project. The detail and precision would've been greatly valued then. Editor: So, this level of rigid perfection becomes performative and takes place of individual reality. But still... even insects under glass sometimes reveal something unexpected when you really look. Curator: Precisely. The interplay of power, image-making, and distribution makes this work unexpectedly vibrant, even now. Editor: An engagement of status... and ultimately its failure. Beautiful!