Portret van de kunstenaar Michelangelo, op 71-jarige leeftijd 1550 - 1600

Editor: Here we have "Portret van de kunstenaar Michelangelo, op 71-jarige leeftijd," created between 1550 and 1600. It’s an engraving housed at the Rijksmuseum, and attributed to Wierix. The detail is amazing for a print! What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The immediate impression is of the complex interplay of line. Notice how Wierix employs hatching and cross-hatching to construct form and volume. The density of line around the hair and beard, for example, creates a palpable sense of texture, while the relatively sparser lines define the planes of the face. Editor: Yes, I see it now! The geometric elements formed by the face against the perfect circle also brings a unique visual for a Renaissance piece. Is there a deeper meaning in these structural choices? Curator: Perhaps the circular format lends itself to the classical tradition of portraiture, evoking ancient coins or medallions. Consider the lines which shape the whole form: The careful construction, with its precise linework, doesn't just depict Michelangelo; it monumentalizes him. The line becomes a tool for enshrining a legacy. How might the quality of the line contribute to the artwork's impact? Editor: That's a great perspective. The consistent use of line adds a timeless, historical aura. Curator: Exactly. The print is not just an image; it is a constructed reality defined by its materiality. And, as a reproducible medium, print ensures longevity. Editor: This has changed how I see portraits from the period. It's fascinating how the printmaking technique adds so much to the image itself! Curator: Indeed. By examining the structure and formal properties of this engraving, we uncover not only a likeness of Michelangelo but also a profound statement about artistic legacy and the power of the line.