Portret van Cornelis Lampsins 1749 - 1780

Curator: Right now we’re standing in front of a Baroque portrait. This is “Portret van Cornelis Lampsins” by Jacob Houbraken, likely produced between 1749 and 1780. It’s an engraving. Editor: Oh, he’s magnificent, isn't he? There's such weight, and I don't just mean in his physique! It’s that confident, almost imperious stare. It's regal. Curator: Yes, and I find myself thinking about the labor that went into this print. Each line, carefully etched and considered. Houbraken was part of a well-oiled machine of printmakers fulfilling a demand for images of important figures. Editor: It's fascinating to consider this not just as art but as part of a much wider commercial process of the era, wouldn't you agree? Even if that sometimes removes that magical quality, doesn't it? What would Lampsins himself think of our analysis I wonder... Curator: Lampsins was likely quite aware of the power of representation! He wears his status explicitly – note the decoration he wears on his chest. Editor: Exactly, that simple yet grand ornament does speak volumes, I imagine. To think, that little detail contains his life achievements and his status... almost like the man in the moon. And yet so fragile and small when compared with life itself. Curator: Absolutely. And look at the textures created through the engraving, mimicking the textures of the sitter’s clothes, skin, even his hair. It is really amazing what engravers managed with what seemingly basic materials. Paper, ink, metal… Editor: The more you describe the material processes involved the more my eye keeps noticing how effectively those basic tools helped capture this man's robust solidity so delicately! And isn't that the nature of humanity? Curator: It truly is. Thanks to these printed portraits, we get a tangible connection to individuals from the past. Editor: Beautifully put. Seeing that allows us to appreciate even further the world of work involved behind it!