Saint Elizabeth c. 17th century

Curator: This is Gérard Edelinck's "Saint Elizabeth", a small engraving held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as an idealized portrait, almost fairytale-like. The crown resting on the book... is it meant to convey a sense of pious regality? Curator: Likely. Edelinck was a master engraver, and images like these were widely circulated, shaping public perceptions of historical and religious figures. Editor: I wonder how this image served within the broader narratives of female leadership and power during that period. It almost feels like a constrained representation. Curator: That's insightful. Remember, the production and reception of art are always intertwined with the socio-political landscape. Editor: It's interesting to think about the image's journey, from Edelinck's studio to shaping public imagination. Curator: Indeed, understanding that journey is key to unlocking the artwork's layers of meaning. Editor: Thank you. I feel I see her differently now.