Portret van Filips van der Aa 1785

Editor: So this is "Portret van Filips van der Aa" created in 1785 by Reinier Vinkeles, housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It’s an engraving, which is so different from the paintings we’ve been looking at. I am struck by how crisp and precise the lines are, and by the formality of the overall composition. What compositional elements do you observe in this piece? Curator: Formally, the work operates within a structure of constraints and deliberate arrangements. Observe the stark contrast between the textures: the meticulously rendered hatching creating the likeness of van der Aa set against the smooth, polished oval frame. The artist establishes a hierarchy through visual means, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do. It seems that everything leads back to van der Aa himself. I’m interested in how you think about the use of monochrome in the context of portraiture, rather than vivid coloring. Curator: Monochrome compels us to engage deeply with the intricacies of form and light. Here, Vinkeles exploits the subtleties of line and tone to reveal shape and shadow and thus, imbue the subject with an air of austere authority. It distills the essence of portraiture to its most fundamental elements. Doesn't it strike you as particularly well-suited to conveying a sense of historical distance and gravitas? Editor: Absolutely, it evokes a specific kind of respect. This makes me consider the impact of removing colour. Thanks for showing me ways that we can focus more on an artist's choices, rather than being influenced by factors that exist beyond the frame. Curator: And I find it refreshing to be reminded of the basic yet complex choices in mark-making that go into even what looks at first glance to be a simple artwork.