Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg c. 18th century

Curator: This is Jacobus Gole's portrait of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg. It's a fascinating study in power dynamics. Editor: Wow, that's a lot of wig. The man is practically drowning in it! It gives him an air of... overcompensation? Curator: The wig, the armor, these are symbols of authority, reflecting the political climate of the time and the Elector's strategic importance. Editor: I see the intended message, but all that visual noise almost drowns out the actual person. It makes you wonder about the performance of power, then and now. Curator: Exactly. Consider the implications of such constructed identities in a world of shifting alliances. Editor: Well, I'm left pondering the weight of appearances, then and now. It’s a pretty timeless theme I suppose. Curator: Indeed. This portrait reminds us that identity, especially in leadership, is always a carefully crafted narrative.