Titelpagina voor De trappen des genadetroons van Jesus Christus 1717 - 1759

Curator: Immediately, the steps draw my eye upwards toward the female figure with that striking halo, exuding this serene, ethereal presence. Editor: That's quite astute. We're looking at the title page for "De trappen des genadetroons van Jesus Christus," which translates to "The Steps of the Throne of Grace of Jesus Christ." The print, made with engraving techniques, dates roughly between 1717 and 1759, created by Michiel Elgersma. Curator: "Steps of Grace" feels so charged, doesn't it? Like a deliberate visual journey towards… what exactly is she offering? What is the meaning behind the Temple structure at the top of these stairs? Editor: Temples always stand for important things in our collective imagination. The architecture here seems to be classical—note the pediment held by angel figures—a link to the grandeur and authority of Rome. This is Baroque art—think about the religious and political forces at play during that period, always seeking ways to make the scripture visually authoritative for the masses. Curator: Indeed, but consider the figures too! Those classical statues are a sharp contrast with Christ and who is possibly St. Peter shown ascending. Peter, who has those keys to heaven on his shoulder—keys also tied to Roman power since the papacy saw itself as the holder of the symbolic and physical keys to Heaven and St. Peter's basilica. Editor: An interesting point! Then consider the very nature of steps themselves: thresholds in a historical and spiritual sense, between worldly experience and divine grace. Perhaps the print as a whole comments on the very processes that offer redemption. Curator: Exactly! Look at that veiled face on the steps: repentance. You know this is Baroque religious symbolism that touches on our emotions and offers moral guidance. It invites us to look inward and upwards, simultaneously. Editor: Well, Elgersma certainly knew how to construct not just a print, but an ideological stairway. I do wonder what impact the prints made on their original audience, now that it has been transported to the digital age. Curator: Right. This definitely requires much more viewing and reflection! I am going to dive more into what a 'throne of grace' truly means in Baroque and older visual art.