Portret van Edmond-Charles de Martimprey 1859

Editor: Here we have the "Portret van Edmond-Charles de Martimprey," an engraving from 1859 by Jean-Baptiste Adolphe Lafosse, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. My first thought? It’s striking how formal and almost severe the subject appears. What are your impressions of this portrait? Curator: Well, what a grand fellow he appears to be, standing ramrod straight in full regalia! Looking at this portrait, I'm immediately drawn to the precision of the engraving. Can you see how Lafosse captured every detail of his uniform, medals, and even the subtle lines in his face? Think about the social context for a moment. Mid-19th century: status and power were often visually declared, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Definitely! It’s almost like the medals are shouting his accomplishments. Is there anything more to it than a show of status? Curator: Oh, there's always more if you look closely! Consider the lack of background. Why strip it away so completely? To emphasize the man himself, surely, his presence, his…authority. Though, between you and me, the artist *did* have to make him a tad more heroic, eh? A gentle nip and tuck by way of artistry, perhaps. What do *you* think it reveals about Martimprey himself? Editor: Hmm, maybe that he wanted to be remembered in a very particular, almost larger-than-life way. Curator: Precisely! Portraits were the Instagram of the 19th century. It’s carefully curated persona. Next time you're tempted to present only the shiniest version of yourself to the world, remember Edmond-Charles de Martimprey and his very deliberate portrait! Editor: That's a great way to think about it! I’ll definitely see portraits in a new light from now on!