't Nieuwe Testament verbeelt zig hier figuriglijk, / Voor u niewgier'ge jeugd, wel leeft het dan geduriglijk 1723 - 1748

Curator: We have here an engraving, dating from 1723 to 1748, entitled ''t Nieuwe Testament verbeelt zig hier figuriglijk, / Voor u niewgier'ge jeugd, wel leeft het dan geduriglijk,' created by Isaak van der Putte. It's a mixed-media piece. Editor: That's quite a title! It's at the Rijksmuseum, right? What I immediately notice is the compartmentalization; each biblical scene is set within its own framed panel, like a comic strip. How do you read the overall composition? Curator: Precisely. Note how each framed scene functions as an individual unit, yet all are connected formally through the grid structure. Consider the effect of this regular repetition. What principles of organization might be at play? Is it simply seriality, or is something more complex happening between the scenes formally? Editor: I see what you mean. The slight variations in the borders of each frame draw attention to the individual scenes, but the repetitive format also creates a visual rhythm across the entire work. And there’s the addition of colour in sections, almost like someone hand-painted selected elements after printing. Was that common? Curator: The selective colouring underscores certain key motifs, wouldn't you agree? The artist deliberately accentuates portions within specific scenes to establish visual linkages. Reflect upon how these choices manipulate the viewer’s gaze across the expanse of the entire print. This approach contributes to both the unity and diversity of the composition. How does this impact our reading? Editor: So, by highlighting particular elements, the artist guides us to connect scenes thematically despite their individual frames, playing with both structure and symbolism. Thanks, I'll definitely be looking at other baroque narrative art through a new lens now! Curator: Indeed, and understanding the formal elements allows us to see past the subject and engage with the construction of meaning itself. A fruitful approach.