Kong Hjarne 1646

Editor: This is "Kong Hjarne," an engraving from 1646, currently held at the SMK. The stark contrast and fine lines of the engraving create a rather imposing portrait. The figure fills the oval frame almost completely. What strikes you most about this print? Curator: From a formalist perspective, the use of line is paramount here. Observe the density and variation: cross-hatching creates the shadows defining Hjarne’s face and costume. Consider how this hatching differs across the artwork to differentiate textures and volumes. Do you notice how the engraving creates the illusion of depth, despite being on a flat surface? Editor: Yes, especially in the rendering of the fur trim and the crown. The contrasting directions of the lines really make it pop. But how do the stylistic choices, like the oval frame, influence our reading? Curator: The oval format, with its framing text, directs our focus intensely inward toward the figure, effectively isolating him from any surrounding context. We are compelled to analyze Hjarne's features and the details of his regalia. Further, the placement of text around the edge is designed to be separate to Hjarne; it’s a statement about him, separate from the sitter himself. Do you agree with the distinction here? Editor: I see what you mean. It’s less about depicting reality and more about presenting an ideal of kingship, focusing on the form and symbolic elements. The crown, scepter, even the fur – all these elements are clearly meant to convey a sense of authority. Curator: Precisely. Through meticulous detail and contrasting lines, the engraver highlights the materiality and the geometry used to depict them, forcing us to contemplate their role in the construction of power and identity. Editor: That's a very interesting lens through which to view this portrait. I never would have considered it that way, initially, but by examining the visual elements, one begins to unpack a completely different perspective on art. Curator: Indeed; the visual vocabulary, carefully arranged, speaks volumes about representation and its connection to abstract forms that generate deeper meanings.