Portret van Charles-Ghislain Daelman 1731 - 1755

Editor: This is a fascinating engraved portrait of Charles-Ghislain Daelman, created sometime between 1731 and 1755 by Pieter Balthasar Bouttats. There's something very formal about the presentation, almost like a historical record. What can you tell us about the context in which a portrait like this would have been created? Curator: Indeed, portraits like this baroque engraving often functioned as powerful statements of identity and status. Consider how engravings like this would circulate. They weren't just art objects hanging in galleries; they were tools used by the elite, by institutions and families, to disseminate their image. It allowed individuals to have control of how they were viewed, and by whom. Notice the Latin inscription and the coat of arms at the bottom – how do you think these elements contributed to the message the portrait conveyed? Editor: I imagine it signals nobility and learnedness, emphasizing that he’s more than just a pretty face. The coat of arms anchors him to a specific lineage. Curator: Precisely! And engravings allowed for wide distribution of such a constructed image. They become part of a broader visual culture that reinforces social hierarchies. So, beyond the artistry, it's a fascinating study in the politics of image-making in that era. Was this image meant for a small circle, or broader distribution do you think? Editor: Given it’s an engraving, meant to be reproduced, I'd say it was for relatively broad circulation. I see how understanding that changes the meaning of the portrait. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It demonstrates that the function of art has varied purposes and has significant social and political implications.