Fotoreproductie van een gravure van de Aanbidding door de koningen door Lucas Vorsterman, naar het schilderij door Peter Paul Rubens before 1858

Editor: Here we have a reproduction print, made before 1858, of the “Adoration of the Magi” after Peter Paul Rubens. Lucas Vorsterman created the original engraving. It's all in black and white, giving it a somber, almost gothic feel. The composition feels very dynamic and energized despite the print medium. What can you tell me about it from a Formalist perspective? Curator: From a formalist standpoint, one observes primarily the internal elements, how line, form, space, and texture create a unified whole. Note the dynamism you mentioned; it’s largely due to the strong diagonals created by the figures' poses and the drapery. Consider, too, the artist’s handling of light and shadow - the chiaroscuro that lends such depth and drama. Do you observe any recurring motifs or patterns? Editor: Well, the circular forms are catching my eye. The figures are clustered around Mary and the baby Jesus, creating a soft curve. There’s a sense of rhythmic movement in the repetition of drapery folds too, all pointing us to the central event. Curator: Precisely! And these elements aren’t merely decorative; they guide the eye, creating a visual hierarchy that emphasizes the focal point. The formal qualities here serve to communicate and underscore the adoration central to the scene. One should also note the interplay of textures achieved through the engraving process - rough versus smooth surfaces - a textural dynamism of great artifice. Editor: So, we can interpret this print by focusing solely on these formal relationships and their ability to convey meaning, and in turn better understand Vorsterman's skills? Curator: Indeed. The success of the image lies not in its historical accuracy or religious symbolism alone, but in how these formal elements coalesce to generate meaning and affect the viewer. Editor: That's a really helpful way to consider the engraving. Thank you. Curator: It was my pleasure. Looking closely at form reveals volumes!