Christus in de tempel 1768

Editor: This is "Christus in de tempel" or "Christ in the Temple," an etching by Jean Baptist Leprince from 1768. It has a very academic, Baroque feel to it, almost like looking at an old manuscript illustration. What strikes you about it? Curator: Oh, it's more than just an illustration, isn't it? There's a whole theatre unfolding here. See how Leprince uses the light, almost like stage lighting, to isolate young Christ and draw our eye? It’s as if the scene is happening right now, doesn’t it strike you? And the scribes, all huddled, murmuring…they're the chorus, aren’t they, full of disapproval. Editor: Yes! I didn’t catch that theatrical light at first glance. The faces of those scribes seem so dark, like shadows consuming the whole composition. Were academic Baroque artists leaning into these narrative etchings at the time? Curator: Oh, absolutely. Etchings like these allowed for wide circulation, didn't they? To educate, to moralise… or maybe just to impress folks with their artistry? Imagine owning this – almost a miniature history painting you could hang on your wall. Did that narrative resonate with everyone then, do you think, or were they also questioning its theatrical elements? Editor: It definitely offers a fresh perspective on how such traditional scenes were circulated, beyond the expected audience for paintings! So much storytelling condensed into those fine lines. Curator: And the best part, darling, is imagining how the artist himself saw it all unfold. I bet Leprince was having a little giggle creating this dramatic, insightful display, don’t you agree?