Preekstoel met alziend oog 1727 - 1771

Editor: This is "Preekstoel met alziend oog," or "Pulpit with the All-Seeing Eye," an engraving by Emanuel Eichel, dating from around 1727 to 1771. The detail is incredible! All the swirling lines give a real sense of dynamism. What catches your eye? Curator: Immediately, the density and variation of line, its sheer graphic exuberance. Observe how the artist utilizes hatching and cross-hatching to suggest volume and shadow. Do you note the implied three-dimensionality despite the two-dimensional medium? Editor: Absolutely, the contrast makes it seem like it’s popping off the page. The form itself, all those curves... it's almost overwhelming. Is there a specific term for this kind of ornamentation? Curator: One might classify this as a demonstration of Baroque sensibilities, showcasing asymmetry and elaborate detail to create a sense of awe. The lack of color also helps isolate and enhance appreciation for the formal qualities. Editor: It really does. Thinking about form, what is the significance of the All-Seeing Eye? Does that disrupt the pure formalism here? Curator: Intriguingly, its presence injects an element of narrative, but consider its function *within* the composition. Is it not simply another shape, another formal element contributing to the overall visual texture? Editor: I guess so. I hadn't thought about it like that! Thanks for showing me how to focus on the engraving's pure design. Curator: Indeed. Paying close attention to the interplay of form and line allows one to discover profound qualities, irrespective of historical context.