Portret van Martin Luther 1731 - 1788

Curator: The texture and layering in this print are stunning. Editor: Indeed! What we’re looking at here is "Portret van Martin Luther," a work rendered in ink on paper via engraving, dating somewhere between 1731 and 1788, courtesy of Johann Esaias Nilson. Currently it resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Curator: Baroque portraits usually leave me a bit cold with their rigid formality, but the lightness here is captivating. Is it the framing or maybe just the engraver's skill, I’m not entirely sure, but it’s delightful! Editor: The appeal lies perhaps in the materials and context. The engraving, typical of the era, democratized art production. Think about it: this print could be reproduced and distributed widely, impacting Luther’s image and reception. How different than an oil painting, eh? Curator: That's true. I was initially just reacting to the way light and shadow play across Luther’s face, giving him this almost…approachable aura. Plus there's the allegorical vignette down below. But the method of reproduction adds to the conversation! Editor: Absolutely. Engravings weren’t only about replicating images, but also about participating in debates of their era through affordable printed form. Religious identity and authority, questioned then distributed broadly via prints. Curator: Considering Nilson's choice to frame Luther both within this traditional portrait setting, plus using paper itself - materials easily consumed and dismissed - offers so many different narratives on religious leaders. Editor: I'm so glad we slowed down to think about how production intersects with how we value the thing produced. Thank you for adding even more complexity into that. Curator: And you made it even more amazing as well! A genuine look on paper's story.