Portret van Antoine Perrenot kardinaal van Granvelle 1783 - 1795

Editor: This engraving, "Portret van Antoine Perrenot kardinaal van Granvelle," made between 1783 and 1795 by Reinier Vinkeles, presents the Cardinal in profile within an oval frame, but below we see some lions, deer, and sheep. It strikes me as rather formal, perhaps even allegorical in its arrangement. How would you interpret this piece, focusing on its form? Curator: The formal elements present a clear duality. The upper register, dominated by the meticulously rendered portrait within a sharp, contained oval, speaks to order and representation. The subject's attire, posture, and the very medium itself communicate status and historical record. Editor: And what about the lower half? Curator: Indeed. The lower register is a pastoral scene, quite divergent in its organization. Note the placement of animals: the tension, the supposed calm in the foreground. These register as shapes and tones – contributing to the overall balance, however uneasily achieved. The line work gives differing weight and presence to each animal figure, playing on perceived notions of strength, calm, and wildness. The tree provides contrast, the whole grouping an implied symbolism, though undefined. The composition sets the graphic stage through line quality to imply themes with only suggestions. Editor: I see, it’s the contrast in style between portrait and landscape and the suggestive symbolic language that is crucial here. Curator: Precisely. The engraving achieves its effect through juxtaposition and deliberate contrasts within its very composition. The engraving as an artifact represents power, wealth and skill with the intent for both display, memory, and education. Editor: Fascinating. Thank you for showing me that its impact lies in its calculated structural arrangements. Curator: The piece invites consideration, its value located in these arrangements we see and attempt to read.