Portret van Matthias Hoë van Hoënegg 1630

Editor: Here we have "Portret van Matthias Hoë van Hoënegg," an engraving by Lucas Kilian, created around 1630. The man's face is quite striking and determined, framed by an elaborate inscription... What captures your attention most in this piece? Curator: Well, first, doesn't the weight of history just seem to *emanate* from this image? Imagine, Matthias Hoë von Hoënegg… quite the name, eh? A theologian staring back at us from nearly four centuries ago! For me, it’s the *contrast* – the severe formality of the portrait juxtaposed with the intimate detail, the almost tender rendering of his face. Notice how Kilian captures the soft texture of his beard, despite the rigidity often associated with engraving. The overall effect creates a mood that evokes somber contemplation. What do you think? Editor: That contrast definitely speaks to me too. I guess it makes it feel… more human somehow? I also noted the level of detail with which his gown has been captured - you can almost feel the material of his sleeve. Curator: Precisely! Kilian, through line and shadow, teases out character from the copperplate, it breathes life into the subject; that delicate balance is the enduring charm, the small intimate detail amongst the formal. In the Northern Renaissance style of the era, one could almost smell the ink. Editor: It’s funny; initially, it seemed a bit severe, but now I can see it's a really sensitive portrayal, considering the formality of portraiture then. Curator: Exactly! Now, aren't you seeing something else? A narrative beyond the formal presentation? That's when a piece really sings.