Portret van Isaac Vincentsz. van der Vinne 1754

Curator: I'm struck by the level of detail in this engraving. There’s a certain calm to it, isn't there? Editor: It’s “Portret van Isaac Vincentsz. van der Vinne,” crafted in 1754 by Cornelis van Noorde. Seeing the precision, it speaks volumes about the Dutch Golden Age obsession with representing identity and status, but in this piece it seems to speak on isolation too. Van Noorde situates his sitter within an interior filled with artistic and literary trappings – suggesting he's a solitary genius. What do you think? Curator: Solitary, maybe. But geniuses, aren't we all just muddling along, trying to figure things out? Look at his expression— a slight smile but so subtle it seems unintentional. Maybe genius is just relentless curiosity mixed with a touch of humble confusion. He seems captured mid-thought or mid-sketch... the pens are tools waiting patiently on his desk, you see? There is even an open sketch he’s clearly working on within the engraving. He clearly felt a lot in my eyes! Editor: That "humble confusion" is key. Portraits from this era often flatten the nuances of an individual, presenting a polished facade. But I do feel what you mean, Isaac almost seems caught unaware; the almost messy display suggests some degree of personal vulnerability. Also look at the hat; perhaps not of high-class quality at all but a tool for an artist's shading. Curator: Exactly. He’s not a general or a king posing for posterity. It's Van der Vinne as Van der Vinne. Do you think that is down to medium you reckon? It certainly lends a certain feel when you consider all that can be portrayed within engravings? Editor: Potentially. The act of creating a print democratises image-making to some degree and potentially even allowing other creatives more of a spotlight to show other artist's artistic lives in these times! It feels far more down to earth and approachable here because it speaks directly with those looking in. The sitter is still just as interesting and powerful to me personally. The subject is clearly well educated and holds sway from more than status I feel! The very action of working as an artist becomes powerful and relevant through each generation thanks to Van Noorde in my eyes! Curator: I completely agree, so wonderfully put, its a true piece from an interesting point in our past. The conversation is amazing when it considers all different possible outcomes.