Adrian van der Goes c. 18th century

Editor: This is a portrait of Adrian van der Goes by Jacobus Houbraken. It's an engraving, giving it a very formal, almost severe feeling. What historical context should we consider when looking at this portrait? Curator: Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture of this era. Who commissioned it, and why? How does van der Goes’s clothing and bearing contribute to a constructed image of authority and status within a patriarchal society? We should also ask, who was excluded from such representation? Editor: That’s interesting! So, it’s less about an individual likeness and more about reinforcing a specific societal hierarchy? Curator: Precisely! The portrait serves as a visual declaration, affirming the subject’s place within a system that privileges certain identities over others. Editor: This gives me a lot to think about regarding representation. Curator: It's a starting point for critically examining the narratives these images perpetuate.