Portret van predikant Jacobus Elisa Johannes Capitein 1742

Editor: So this is "Portret van predikant Jacobus Elisa Johannes Capitein" by Pieter Tanjé, from 1742. It's an engraving held at the Rijksmuseum. I’m immediately struck by the contrast in textures—the smooth skin versus the intricate folds of his robes. What production processes do you see influencing this work? Curator: This engraving is fascinating when considered as a reproducible commodity. Tanjé, through meticulous labor, transforms Capitein, a theologian of Ghanaian origin, into an image circulating within 18th-century Dutch society. Think about the material processes: the metal plate, the acids used for etching, the press, the paper, the ink... all contributing to the widespread dissemination of Capitein’s image and ideas. Does that impact your interpretation of its importance? Editor: It makes me wonder about who had access to these engravings. Were they broadly available, or aimed at a specific, wealthier demographic that could afford them, furthering specific ideological messages about race, religion, and colonialism? Curator: Precisely! The print's accessibility raises questions about consumption and audience. The labor of the engraver allowed Capitein to enter parlors but framed in very specific and controlled terms, often reinforcing colonial hierarchies despite portraying a Black intellectual. Consider how the material of the engraving itself contributes to the construction of Capitein’s identity for the Dutch audience. How much does Tanjé have invested in the portrayal of Capitein's identity, compared with Capitein? Editor: So, it's not just about *who* is depicted, but *how* the means of production itself shaped the message received by those who saw it. The means and circulation mattered more, maybe, than the intent? Curator: Precisely. By concentrating on how this image was made and distributed, we reveal how it was also strategically consumed to shape a narrative during this moment. Editor: Okay, I’m starting to see how focusing on materials and processes opens up new ways to think about the artwork’s meaning.