Francesco Maria Rovere, duke of Urbino c. 19th century

Editor: Here we see Joseph Andrews' print of Francesco Maria Rovere, duke of Urbino. The duke's portrait in full armor strikes a powerful pose, but there's a real sense of theatricality about it, too. What can you tell me about the historical context of such portraits? Curator: Andrews created this in the 19th century, long after the Duke’s death. Think about the rise of Romanticism and the fascination with historical figures and a glorified past. What role do you think representing historical figures in armor played in the 19th century's construction of power and identity? Editor: So, it's not just about the Duke, but about how 19th-century society viewed leadership and heroism? That's a powerful point. Curator: Exactly. Andrews' work becomes part of a larger cultural conversation about how history is interpreted and used to shape contemporary values.