Portrait No. 8 Analysis "Who's that person?"

There are two relationships that the two figures in this portrait evoke. One would be that between a clergyman and a noblewoman, revealing a tense and perhaps conspiratorial association between secular and religious rule. The woman could be denoted as noble or high-born in regards to the ornate patterning of her headdress, jewelry, and dress. The designation of the man’s status is a little more ambiguous, but the manner of his dress too seems to imply his occupation. The faces of both figures appear apathetic at first; even weary, with a stubborn steadfastness that indicates that neither has the intention of shifting their position, both metaphorically and physically. Upon closer inspection, however, the expression of the woman, interesting considering her lack of eyebrows, is found to have a sly, confident curve to her lips and to the setting of her eyes. A second possible relationship observed is one between two leaders, or people of significant social standing, from different lands, encountering one another in a meeting of the minds and of cultures. The artist seems to have wanted to make certain that the profiles of the individuals featured in the portrait were of stark contrast; the female having a lengthy slender nose, milky spectral features, and long fair decorated hair, while the male’s features are not nearly as smooth with a hooked squat nose, curly matted hair, and a jutting obtrusive chin. This adds to the sense of the two people being from different worlds, with differing viewpoints and motivations.

The other figure appears to be a steadfast man of his country’s belief, features worn by time and a life lived in service to both a higher power and to the common man. There is not much hidden in his overall amicable expression, suggesting that though he may not be the most physically attractive being to gaze upon, he is honest and fair. The woman is softer in every curve of her face, suggesting that though she seems nearly the same age as the man, her living conditions have been kinder. Perhaps she has seen less of the world, not have had as tough a time of it, or maybe it is simply that someone of her class and wealth has access to make-up. Whatever the case, both people appear strangely detached from the symbolism of their clothing, as if the garments are simply colorful shells that both happen to inhabit. These two may be lovers, old friends, or diplomats filled with respect for one another, forced to stand as they do, as social laws dictate, but peering at one another as human beings.

In relation to their background, the figures tower over the vast landscape behind them, indicating a sense of territorial dominion. The manner in which they face one another suggests opposing interests and perhaps an imminent or ongoing dispute. It is difficult to ascertain the nature of the land in the background, whether it is settled or not, but the tall ships on the water convey a sense of exploration, expansion, and adventure. In fact, the figures appear almost as obstacles to these, the ships sailing between them as rubber toy boats in a bathtub.