Portret van Fr. Jacob 1834 - 1896

Editor: We're looking at a graphite and etching on paper, "Portret van Fr. Jacob," attributed to Johann Kaspar Eissenhardt and thought to be made between 1834 and 1896. It strikes me as very formal, almost academic. What do you see in this piece in terms of its construction? Curator: The work is intriguing, indeed. Note the tonal range achieved through the graphite and etching. Consider how the artist modulates the shading to describe form, focusing intently on texture and light. Observe how lines are cross-hatched to achieve greater value, and to build definition, carefully considering the effect that the mark making has on conveying the subject’s character. Are you drawn to a specific aspect of its formal structure? Editor: I notice the rather tight composition, almost like the portrait is contained. And the book adds a layer of, maybe, intellect? Curator: Precisely. Think about how the contained form contributes to the work. It brings an intriguing tension in terms of the relation of surface to image. Notice also that the book creates a subtle but key shape – do you think its surface contributes formally or thematically, perhaps both? Editor: It does add visual stability as the white is balanced on the lap of the figure but I wonder, is there a deeper relationship between figure and book? I am uncertain! Curator: Uncertainty is fine. But ask yourself, what does its specific presence as a geometric shape against organic draped fabric evoke within the pictorial field of the picture? Editor: Well, by concentrating on those shapes, I think that the geometric order it offers heightens the sensitivity of the work. The whole surface comes to life through a delicate tonal counterpoint. Thanks, I'm seeing the piece in a new way!