Apostel Petrus before 1646

Curator: Before us stands a print, "Apostel Petrus," made before 1646 by Christoffel van Sichem the Younger. The medium involves engraving on paper. Editor: The man portrayed—it's immediately striking. Solemn, holding a book, and is that... a sword? Gives the impression of a scholar warrior, or a spiritual bodyguard. Curator: Indeed, it encapsulates multiple symbolic registers. Formally, observe the figure's dominant verticality, counterpointed by the horizontal lines suggesting divine order. Semiotically, the sword may denote martyrdom. Note also how Sichem employs chiaroscuro to emphasize texture and weight. Editor: That's quite right. It feels grounded. Though, there's something hauntingly stark about the hatching. See the tight network of lines which are nearly oppressive. Does the subject’s look remind you of a weary traveler worn down but resolute to endure? Curator: Interesting observation! As the print testifies of Medieval influence through its linearity. This print, thus, is structured by geometric, hierarchic relation. Also note the calculated imbalance with negative spaces; observe the effect produced. Editor: A fair point. So this engraving speaks of order through graphic precision, then? The rigid structure mirroring the strength—dare I say, stubbornness—of belief. All the same, look at those wonderfully free and expressive beard curls defying absolute formalism. Curator: An interesting counter-interpretation indeed! Let's note finally the masterful engraving that Sichem demonstrated here. The linear perspective produces an artwork worth being regarded from structural, theological, historical perspectives. Editor: You know, reflecting, this Apostle Petrus seems deeply interior. I leave with a strange resonance; something about the quiet strength imbued makes the image far larger than the little rectangle allows.