Portret van Albrecht Volcart 1659

Curator: Here we have Matthias van Sommer’s 1659 engraving, a portrait of Albrecht Volcart. I'm struck by the somber and intensely focused presence of the sitter. What captures you right away? Editor: Definitely the gravity. He looks as though he's staring into eternity... or at least pondering some very weighty theological matter. And the texture! You can almost feel the crispness of his ruff. It's amazing how much depth van Sommer achieved with just line work. It creates an introspective ambiance that suits its subject, as an engraved reproduction. Curator: Indeed, the engraving is made after a drawing from life by van Sommer when Volcart was around 68, a pastor in Nuremberg. He must have been quite a personality, given the texts within the engraving. Editor: You can tell a lot about people, I think, from the objects they choose to surround themselves with and their portrait in general. Volcart is framed by his books and that severe stone wall—everything speaks to intellect and perhaps a life devoted to austere principle. He gives you everything in this pose; the stern but dignified eyes; the poised hand. But what could van Sommer achieve through line and the black ink? Curator: Engravings, reproduced from drawings, had a wide public role in the 17th century, circulating images of important figures. In Volcart's case, the inscription and the portrait itself clearly work to construct a certain kind of legacy for the man, highlighting his piety, erudition, and importance. What can’t the eyes give to us? Editor: I love that this artwork uses a level of visual and written language together. Curator: Exactly! It gives an impression of authority and grace. Editor: It all ties in the same story that reflects piety and stature. Something to ponder upon even when departing this place. Curator: I agree. There’s a lasting dignity to his gaze that transcends time.