Frederik Rantzau til Asdal. Fra ligprædiken 1647

Editor: This engraving, "Frederik Rantzau til Asdal. Fra ligprædiken", dates back to 1647. It seems to be a print. It's incredibly detailed, almost overwhelmingly so with all the crests around the central portrait. I'm curious about the purpose behind such intricate imagery. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, my dear, it’s like peering into a history book where family trees grow into fantastical beasts! This is more than just a portrait; it’s a statement. Look closely at those heraldic crests—each one tells a story, whispers of alliances and lineage. It’s a veritable symphony of societal significance. Can you imagine the hours, no, *days* it would take to engrave all those flourishes and symbols? The engraver becomes almost a storyteller! Don't you feel like each of those crests hides secrets? Editor: Absolutely! It's easy to get lost in the details. Are the surrounding crests somehow linked to Frederik Rantzau? Curator: Precisely! Each crest represents families connected to Rantzau, like intertwined roots of an old, established tree. Consider it as Facebook for the 17th century but way more artistic and permanent. This was displayed during his funeral sermon. Don't you think that's slightly…extra? Editor: Definitely! It puts our modern memorial slideshows to shame! All those lineages – so powerful and lasting at the time. But what about now? Curator: It really prompts us to consider what lasting legacy means, doesn’t it? In the grand scheme, we're all just fleeting figures, aren't we? But it’s through these tangible representations that we attempt to cling to permanence, whether successful or not is another matter! I suspect Mr. Rantzau wanted to cling to every last laurel! Editor: I suppose so, and perhaps that's not too different from us today. Thanks, I see the work, and those Rantzau roots, in a completely new way now!