Portret van Philadelphia en Elizabeth Wharton 1716

Editor: Here we have Pieter van Gunst’s 1716 engraving, "Portret van Philadelphia en Elizabeth Wharton," housed at the Rijksmuseum. It’s quite striking how formal the two young girls appear. The level of detail achieved through engraving is fascinating, but what I am more curious about is the relationship between symbols of status, childhood, and mortality. What catches your eye? Curator: I’m intrigued by the symbolic weight van Gunst layers into this seemingly simple portrait. Look closely at the dog. It isn't merely a pet; the canine embodies fidelity and loyalty. But also reflect upon their positioning: at the feet of Philadelphia, a common motif symbolizing marital fidelity and a husband's domination of the wife in Northern art and English portraiture of this period. Editor: That's really interesting; I had not made that connection between domestic pets and marital roles, yet its symbolism can seem to undermine ideas of affection. Curator: It can, unless we also recognise the dog as comforter, protector, and companion; indeed the symbolism shifts between public ideal and private connection. Similarly, consider the backdrop. On one side, a curtain denotes wealth and privilege; on the other, an imagined pastoral landscape suggesting innocence and unspoiled youth, framed with its stark sky and shadowed horizon as memento mori. This could then reflect not only their status as daughters of nobility but as children on the cusp of social roleplay; a reminder to all viewers of death lurking at the heart of all life. Editor: So the artist uses the pastoral image, commonly considered one of harmony, as a signal of the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. Thank you! I will certainly have a new point of view next time I examine similar family portraits! Curator: Indeed; an awareness of culturally shifting symbolism gives images longevity!