Coinage: Eighth Plate (DUX - ETRVRIAE III ...) c. 17th century

Curator: This is "Coinage: Eighth Plate (DUX - ETRVRIAE III ...)," an engraving by Jacques Callot, a printmaker active in the early 17th century. Editor: Wow, look at all these faces! It's like a family album from another dimension. I get a vibe of serious business, of power… and maybe a little bit of vanity? Curator: Absolutely. Callot was commissioned to produce sets of prints, often for propaganda or to celebrate noble families and rulers. These coin portraits and heraldic emblems would have circulated among the elite. Editor: Propaganda, huh? So, art as spin? I’m drawn to the precision of the lines, but it also feels a bit…cold. Like these folks are too important to have a soul. Curator: The engraving technique allowed for mass production, spreading these images widely. Think of it as the early modern equivalent of a carefully curated social media profile. Editor: A very stiff social media! Still, you can't deny Callot's skill in capturing the details and textures of the period. It’s a fascinating window, even if it's a slightly frosty one. Curator: Indeed, Callot's work shows how art played a critical role in shaping perceptions of power and legitimacy. Editor: And it reminds us that even back then, everyone wanted to put their best face forward—even if it was etched in copper.