Slot before 1878

Curator: Today, we are looking at "Slot," an engraving by David van der Kellen, made before 1878. It is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first impression is a kind of solemn medieval elegance. The intricate openwork sections combined with those sturdy shapes gives off a very controlled yet ornate feeling. Curator: Precisely! Let's consider the context of printmaking in the 19th century. Van der Kellen, working before widespread photographic reproduction, employed meticulous engraving to document historical metalwork and other decorative arts. This print serves not merely as art but as documentation, a way to disseminate information about the labor and skill of metalworkers. Editor: I see it too. The arrangement of forms, especially that sort of stylized "S" shape at the center, echoes heraldic symbols and reinforces its ties to craft traditions from a long gone historical period, creating a link to our memory of past skills and status. It evokes cultural memory. Curator: Good point. And note the geometric form. It speaks to function, it looks like a latch, which has the intent to bind one thing to another. Van der Kellen makes skillful use of the etching technique to convey a great deal of textural information, offering an illusion of material presence of these artworks for an audience, unable to interact with the material itself. Editor: Indeed. But doesn't this precise rendering almost freeze the object, idealizing it rather than truly representing its use in history? The emphasis on pure form abstracts it from daily life, investing in almost mythical significance. Curator: A valid point! However, I contend that such engravings play a critical role in democratizing knowledge about the decorative arts, making inaccessible, exquisite works known beyond an aristocratic audience. We must consider that it opens them up for the broader population to enjoy. Editor: Agreed. Whether documentation or romanticization, "Slot" captures something lasting about craftsmanship and cultural ideals. Curator: Ultimately, the object reveals the ingenuity of past artists in its construction, providing a tactile experience accessible for future engagement.