Portret van paus Urbanus VIII 1623

Curator: There's something inherently striking about this rendering. A bit severe, perhaps? Almost imposing in its reserve. Editor: That would be "Portret van paus Urbanus VIII," or "Portrait of Pope Urban VIII" made in 1623. It's an engraving by Simon van de Passe, here at the Rijksmuseum. Curator: Engraving, you say? It has a delicacy that belies the precision of that craft. The detail in the face, and those almost painfully knowing eyes… It hints at a profound, perhaps weary wisdom. You feel you could know his soul by looking at his face. Editor: The Baroque certainly leans into dramatic portrayals, but there’s also the clean influence of the Northern Renaissance here too. You see that in the crispness of line and detail. There is the symmetry, obviously. He is framed with such precision by that encircling Latin inscription which details his appointment and praises the pontiff. Curator: Those tiny cartouches above... It’s so meticulously arranged, everything perfectly placed. They really had to fit a lot on here and give equal weight to the typography as the portrait. Yet it feels alive! This old world charm really carries me away... the composition directs the viewer's focus inescapably to Urbanus himself, so stoic and serene. A quiet, concentrated power—he almost floats like an angel. Editor: He was trying to communicate worldly authority and, of course, his faith. Look how van de Passe contrasts the textural rendering of his skin and beard against the smoothness of his mozzetta and cap, emphasizing both human fragility and the unwavering, divinely-sanctioned power Urbanus wielded. Even the text at the bottom contributes to this contrast, suggesting both the sweetness and authority, almost suggesting it's the same, implied by the buzzing bees. Curator: Thinking of this portraiture, and how Urbanus saw himself depicted…it's just endlessly fascinating, isn’t it? The image, frozen in time, of power, carefully crafted for us to witness all these centuries later. A potent testament to how we’re remembered. Editor: Indeed. Van de Passe invites us to reflect on more than just likeness, but also legacy and the enduring power of symbols. It makes one question what endures and what fades.