Transfiguratie 1565 - 1629

Editor: This is Camillo Procaccini's "Transfiguration," an etching and ink drawing that lives here at the Rijksmuseum. It feels so dramatic, with all these swirling figures. What is your take on this work? Curator: Well, you nailed it right away: dramatic. The energy practically vibrates off the page, doesn’t it? It's got that Mannerist flair for the theatrical, figures twisting and reaching. What grabs me is how he's managed to convey this sense of divine revelation with such limited materials: just ink and paper. He builds up this intense feeling, wouldn't you agree, with lines, through building form and creating light. Where do you see the focal point? Editor: It’s hard to tell, there’s so much going on! Maybe the figure at the very top? Curator: Indeed! The artist is guiding us towards that illuminated, central figure, right? Yet, at the same time, we are kept firmly on earth with the reactions of the mortals below, so perplexed. And, like with most art, I find that sometimes I prefer the process or medium even more that the artwork. Think about Procaccini layering these fine, little ink marks, stroke by stroke. What do you feel when considering the method used? Editor: Wow, I didn't really think of the labor of it at first. Thinking about that labor makes me admire it all the more. I see your point on process, as I can now recognize that is also a subject within this etching. Thanks so much! Curator: My pleasure! This piece reveals something new each time, right?