Print c. 18th century

This small print, made by an anonymous artist, presents a scene of apparent royal patronage. It’s worth noting that, in the absence of the artist's name, the historical and social context plays an even more crucial role in how we interpret this work. The print depicts a formal interior setting, with courtiers gathered around a seated figure who seems to hold a position of authority. The exchange between figures, their garments, and the architecture of the room suggest a narrative steeped in hierarchy and tradition. But who gets to be in the room, and who is outside of it? Consider the role of anonymity here. By not naming themselves, the artist invites us to focus on the scene itself. It begs the question, whose stories are deemed worthy of recording and remembering, and whose are erased or forgotten? This image invites us to reflect on how power is visualized and reinforced through art, and whose perspectives are privileged in that process.