Joannes Burmannus c. 18th century

Editor: This is Jacobus Houbraken's portrait of Joannes Burmannus. The print, housed at the Harvard Art Museums, presents Burmannus in exquisite detail. The texture of his jacket and hair is incredibly lifelike. What do you observe in its formal qualities? Curator: The composition adheres to classical portrait conventions, yet its success lies in the intricate handling of light and shadow. Consider how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to define form and create a sense of depth, especially noticeable in the rendering of the face and the drapery. The gaze also creates a compelling connection with the viewer. Editor: That's a fascinating point. Thank you for highlighting those elements.