Heilige Benus Tabennae after 1636

Curator: Frederick Bloemaert's engraving, "Heilige Benus Tabennae," created after 1636, showcases a commanding figure standing atop a crocodile and a beast that is maybe a horse with a lion's face? It's currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: First thought? Brutal! The texture's wild, and the lines make this almost biblical scene feel both ancient and utterly fantastical. Curator: The composition directs the eye immediately to the central figure, St. Benus, emphasizing his dominance. Notice the linear quality, which gives precision to the texture of the beasts beneath him. The line technique suggests a structured hierarchy and control. Editor: That hierarchy hits you hard, doesn't it? Benus' pose feels… conflicted. One hand's raised, but the other is self-consciously on his beard, as if he's saying, "Yeah, I know how this looks, standing on these poor creatures!" It feels like he doesn’t feel justified by any moral certainty but just following along... or simply tired of fighting Curator: His hand could just as easily signify thought and peace? From a structural standpoint, the engraving masterfully employs shadow and light to accentuate the emotional depth in St. Benus, a popular figure, during this historical and mythical setting. His drapery has volume in spite of the flat linear quality of the print. Editor: Popular, yes but standing in a landsdcape with an implied smoking church behind and two exotic slain monsters in a fashion that might even hint that St. Benus is some kind of... destroyer? The man seems deeply alone with that heavy cape falling, burdened by his act and in deep reflection. Almost regret, you feel? Curator: That is of course, one reading. Regardless of what any individual viewer might take from the piece, Bloemaert’s skill demonstrates command of his era's Baroque style. The precision and controlled contrast are worth appreciating. Editor: Absolutely! Stepping back, seeing how the intense details and controlled composition collide, makes you see new possible readings emerge... The line engraving comes off brutal, bizarre, but oddly contemplative.