Goten 1650

Editor: Here we have Cornelis Visscher's "Goten", an engraving from 1650 currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. The figure is striking. He’s overflowing with weapons and wearing quite the outfit. It feels both imposing and slightly… theatrical, almost like a costume. What jumps out at you when you see this work? Curator: Immediately, I’m drawn to the image of the "Goten"—it’s less about literal representation and more about conjuring an idea. Look at the figure, burdened by weapons: the halberd, the bow, the axe, and that great, curved blade. What do those arms symbolize when they overlap? The artist seeks to tap into deeply embedded concepts of the Goth, doesn’t he? What qualities or cultural memories do those tools and arms represent? Editor: So you are suggesting it's about cultural memory and projecting symbolic qualities, more than accurately depicting the garb and weapons of a Goth warrior? Curator: Precisely. Think about the date: 1650. What did the word “Goth” conjure up in the minds of people then? It evokes notions of barbarism, of the ancient past, and a kind of raw, untamed power. The fur coat, for instance, contributes to this image of otherness. Each weapon, each piece of attire isn’t just a detail, it’s a coded message meant to evoke that shared understanding, passed down through time. What would the trident represent? And who is that figure confronting it? Editor: The trident to me evokes Neptune. It is an emblem of dominance and strength, maybe implying their power came from the sea? But if this wasn't about faithful likeness, then this "Goth" could have been invented in its entirety for dramatic effect. I guess this could serve a propagandistic purpose. Curator: Interesting idea about the trident. The Goth figure becomes almost a mythic character, distilled through generations of retelling. See how the "portrait" presents ideas regarding this historic image. Ultimately it makes me reflect on the narratives we perpetuate. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It makes you wonder how our contemporary imagery will be interpreted centuries from now, right? Curator: Indeed. Every element speaks to what society collectively knew, or thought they knew, about this "Goten," then and now. It makes you aware of your present place and purpose, while exploring shared pasts.