Kong Ringo 1646

Curator: Let's take a look at this intriguing print, "Kong Ringo," dating back to 1646. It's housed right here at SMK, created anonymously as an engraving. What strikes you first? Editor: The intense gaze, definitely! It feels… almost confrontational, like he’s daring you to question his authority. And the incredible detail for an engraving. It's amazing they managed to convey texture and volume just with lines. Curator: Absolutely. Considering its production, the "old engraving style," speaks to the printmaking workshops prevalent at the time. These images would have been reproduced and circulated, fulfilling the demand for accessible historical figures. Editor: You can almost feel the pressure of the engraver's hand, guiding the tool across the plate. The lines themselves, they become the story. Look at how the crosshatching creates shadows on his face, the way his crown is detailed, with little square embellishments, even how the gown is constructed. It must have taken a lifetime! Curator: Right. It’s intriguing that "Ringo vel Haginus" – as noted on the print - ruled in the early fourth century. The “history-painting” of the medieval and even Renaissance era didn’t quite observe historical accuracy. Instead, "Kong Ringo" and images of him had power in contemporary life. Editor: Which also explains his costume. The engraving doesn't give us much insight on fabrics but based on the gown I'd place its construction into mid 17th century, rather than several centuries prior. Curator: Precisely. This emphasizes the print’s function not as historical document but to reinforce then-contemporary ideologies regarding leadership. Editor: I wonder what "Kong Ringo" himself would have thought about being memorialized, or rather interpreted like this. Maybe he wouldn't mind. At least he's got a decent crown. Curator: Yes, an important question, if he indeed existed as historical persona. Thank you for pointing out these different facets. Editor: It was a pleasure, especially in looking back, to think ahead about ways we, the living, create immortal portraits.