Transfiguratie van Christus 1629

Editor: This is Christoffel van Sichem the Younger’s “Transfiguration of Christ,” an engraving from 1629, currently residing at the Rijksmuseum. It's an impressive scene rendered with such fine lines, almost dizzying to look at. The figures seem to emerge from a whirlwind. What do you make of it? Curator: Whirlwind indeed! It strikes me as a fervent visual sermon, capturing that pivotal biblical moment. Sichem uses line like a Baroque poet uses words—ornate, expressive, intended to stir the soul. I feel as if the artist wants the divine light emanating from Christ to flood the viewer's own heart, you know? Almost like a personal invitation. Do you feel drawn in or kept at a distance? Editor: Drawn in, definitely! Though it’s hard to pin down *why*. The perspective is so unusual. Is that typical for Baroque engravings? Curator: Good question. It's less about strict perspective and more about… well, *spiritual* perspective. See how the figures cluster and ascend? The eye is encouraged to leapfrog from one holy participant to the next, towards the light. The composition has a wonderful soaring energy. Imagine this not just as a picture, but a tangible ladder to Heaven, crafted of ink and faith! How does that affect your reading of it? Editor: It gives the piece a whole new dimension, this idea of movement and journey. I was so focused on the technique, but seeing it as a ladder... I'll never look at another Baroque print the same way again! Curator: And *that*, my friend, is the magic of art, isn’t it? Each encounter transforms us.