Aankomst van Willibrord, 691 1722 - 1750

Editor: Here we have "Aankomst van Willibrord, 691," an engraving by Simon Fokke, created sometime between 1722 and 1750. It’s fascinating how detailed it is, even though it’s quite small. I’m immediately struck by the contrast between the pagan scene on the left and the arrival of Willibrord and his followers on the right. It's like two different worlds colliding. What do you make of it? Curator: Ah, yes! This image, you see, is more than just a historical record; it's a performance, a carefully orchestrated drama. Simon Fokke, bless his heart, is showing us a pivotal moment: the clash of beliefs. Look at the figures on the left, practically frozen in their ritual, and then this procession led by Willibrord, radiating, almost glowing, as if bathed in divine light. The ship sails in from foreign lands, but what lands, really, are these new thoughts charting. Do you feel the inherent tension, the charged air between the figures? Editor: I do! It’s palpable. The pagan worshippers seem almost fearful, while Willibrord looks so… serene. Is that deliberate, do you think? Curator: Absolutely deliberate! Fokke isn’t just documenting; he’s interpreting, guiding our eye, prompting us to take a side, to maybe… embrace the new. Engravings like this one were, at the time, a powerful vehicle for sharing information, influencing opinion, spreading this, uh, light to the masses. What's old can become new. Editor: So, it's not just about historical accuracy; it's about persuasive storytelling? Curator: Exactly! It's a baroque spin. Fokke invites us not just to observe the past, but to consider its implications and legacy. I am very grateful to see the Rijksmuseum preserve this history. Editor: That’s a fascinating point. I’ll never look at a historical engraving the same way again!