Portret van Michael Adolf von Althann 1589 - 1615

Curator: We're looking at a print from somewhere around 1589 to 1615, “Portret van Michael Adolf von Althann.” It's an engraving on paper, held here at the Rijksmuseum, created by Lucas Kilian. Editor: There’s a real stoicism to his gaze. It’s an oval portrait set within a larger rectangular format. I immediately noticed the careful contrasts—dark tones defining the figure against a subtly shaded background. It's intense, like staring into a past meticulously carved. Curator: Yes, Kilian was known for this meticulous style. The Mannerist influence is evident here in the elegant elongation of Althann's features and the elaborate framing of the image with text, almost overwhelming the central portrait. He has all of the gravitas expected of someone named “supreme captain of the Austrian troops.” Editor: You can feel the weight of expectation on his shoulders. The engraving captures so much textural detail; the shine on his armor, the softness of his hair, and even the stippling used to render subtle changes in value. But there's also something unnerving in how composed he seems. It hints at the formal requirements of the era while creating an air of inaccessible distance. Curator: Prints like this had an important function. They weren’t just portraits; they circulated images of power, projecting a certain image of status across geographical distances. It's interesting to see how those needs shaped artistic styles and practices. Editor: It's more than projecting status. It's like codifying ideals into an image. He becomes a symbol, almost dehumanized. The technique mirrors that distancing, achieving its goal with stark, graphic clarity. Even centuries later, those stylistic and compositional techniques still speak powerfully. Curator: It certainly invites a deeper look at how identities were constructed, mediated, and immortalized through art. Editor: Absolutely, leaving us with endless pathways for exploration!