Joash presented to the army 1565 - 1568

Editor: This is “Joash presented to the army,” an engraving by Harmen Jansz. Muller made between 1565 and 1568. The figures are densely packed, with swirling lines indicating chaos and drama. It gives a feeling of… unrest. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I see a deliberate staging of power, but power built on shaky ground. Consider the historical context: the Mannerist style, with its exaggerations and distortions, reflects a period of intense religious and political upheaval. Look at the figures; they are not idealized heroes, but anxious individuals caught in a moment of crisis. Editor: So, the artist isn’t just telling a biblical story, but also commenting on the anxieties of his own time? Curator: Precisely. And what about the presentation itself? This boy-king, Joash, is being paraded before the army. Is this a genuine moment of unity, or a desperate attempt to legitimize a fragile reign? Where does the vulnerability of the child intersect with the militaristic, hyper-masculine display happening all around him? What does the image itself perform by recreating the scene? Editor: I hadn't thought about the performative aspect. The artist seems to be questioning the very nature of authority. Curator: Absolutely. The image is less about celebrating divine right and more about exposing the political machinations that underpin power. Muller uses the biblical narrative as a lens through which to examine contemporary struggles for control. What is normalized or celebrated through history, when questioned through the context of modern social and political views? Editor: It's interesting to consider how this historical piece resonates with current discussions around power and legitimacy. It definitely challenges you to look closer at who is centered, and why. Curator: Exactly. It is a great example of how art from the past can shed light on our present.