Portret van Giambologna 1589

Editor: This engraving, a portrait of Giambologna from 1589 by Gijsbert Van Veen, is fascinating! It has this rather formal, almost theatrical air. What stands out to you in terms of its symbolism and imagery? Curator: The frame itself is rich in meaning. Notice the figures flanking the portrait – male and female, each holding symbolic objects. One clutches calipers, representing measure and precision – the very tools of an architect. The other, holding scales perhaps refers to divine judgment. What connections might you draw between these figures and Giambologna’s legacy? Editor: I see… almost like personifications of his profession and his ultimate artistic impact? The man and woman flanking the portrait seem very assertive. The crown gives an idea of great achievement, but the scales indicate even masters will be assessed in history. Curator: Exactly! The visual vocabulary, those culturally loaded images, are all interconnected. The flaming globe atop the frame? It could allude to Giambologna's widespread fame, but it could also symbolize creative fire or divine inspiration. And observe the horns, traditionally symbols for communication. The engraver may have been sending messages across boundaries of time. Is that perhaps a claim to permanence? Editor: So the image isn't just a likeness, but a complex statement about Giambologna's identity and lasting importance as an architect and sculptor? Curator: Precisely! The artist created an entire symbolic framework to amplify Giambologna’s persona, creating a multi-layered artistic image. Editor: I see much more than just a portrait now; it is the construction of one!