Portret van Johann August Graf von Meyerfeldt 1729

Curator: This engraving, made by Christian Fritzsch in 1729, depicts Johann August Graf von Meyerfeldt. It's held here at the Rijksmuseum. What strikes you first? Editor: He looks, well, very important. But there's also a kind of serene distance in his eyes, a calmness almost untouched by all the finery. Is it me or the baroque loves itself? Curator: Definitely baroque, it does! The ornamentation, the robes lined with ermine...it's about conveying status. Note the intricate coat of arms displayed below his portrait—every element carefully chosen to symbolize family history, titles, and affiliations. Editor: Those symbols—almost like secret messages embedded in plain sight. I wonder what tales those heraldic beasts and designs could tell. Was it common to see so many in the aristocratic circles? Curator: Absolutely. Heraldry was a visual language, crucial for establishing identity and lineage in a world obsessed with nobility. The frame around the portrait acts as another layer, separating him slightly, turning the person into a noble figure and symbol. Editor: The fact it's an engraving…I can almost feel the craftsman's hand, meticulously etching away to create this image. Something in that detail humanizes even the grandest portrait. And is he kind of looking down his nose at us, the common rabble, perhaps? Curator: That’s portraiture! These images often project authority. But, consider how this print would have been circulated—multiple copies allowing a wider audience access to this powerful image. Perhaps the artist even enjoyed giving the portrait a feeling of disdain toward common society. It would be more attractive, mysterious and definitely more interesting. Editor: A fascinating mix of artistry, status, and subtle social commentary! One can feel like that for 5 minutes! Curator: Indeed. Each glance reveals new layers. That's the enduring power of art and the joy of close looking, isn’t it?