Portret van Volkert Schram, Vice-admiraal van Holland en West-Friesland 1655 - 1672

Curator: Here we have a work dating back to between 1655 and 1672. It is a portrait of Volkert Schram, Vice-Admiral of Holland and West Friesland, made by Jan Veenhuysen. The piece is an engraving done with ink and metal. Editor: It’s certainly striking! The severity in his gaze coupled with the naval scene makes him appear every bit the imposing figure. The monochrome also creates an immediate air of austerity, reflecting the sober tone often associated with naval leadership. Curator: Indeed. Veenhuysen, through his printmaking process, seems intent on presenting Schram as a pillar of Dutch naval power during a turbulent period. Consider the very precise use of the burin on the copper plate, each line contributing to a collective representation that projects the desired effect. How the act of engraving mirrors labor for military might. Editor: That's interesting. Looking closer, the composition itself strikes me as meticulously constructed to emphasize Schram’s position within the broader political landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. The inclusion of the naval fleet hints at his strategic significance, but it's difficult to ignore the clear signals of status. His gaze directs us towards this reality and demands we acknowledge his role. Curator: Agreed. It's worth looking at the materials, the paper substrate upon which the ink lies, transforming an image intended for circulation—reproducing ideas and shaping popular narratives around power. This challenges notions of high art as the etching process allowed production for the wider audience, rather than the wealthy few. Editor: Right, but his presentation isn’t just about projecting power; it's deeply entrenched in the socio-political identity of the era. He is placed in front of a background that implies wealth derived directly from naval trade. There’s an underlying dialogue occurring between identity, naval authority and the larger scope of Dutch colonial power and commerce at the time. Curator: I find it remarkable how much narrative Veenhuysen manages to weave within a relatively small surface through calculated process, from conception to printing. The detail afforded to textures is not arbitrary and suggests careful artistic decision making. Editor: Exactly. Seeing it this way makes me rethink this work. It transcends mere representation of an admiral—it embodies the complicated nexus of maritime power, personal identity, and the colonial expansion of the time. Curator: A compelling perspective. Jan Veenhuysen certainly encourages us to consider process alongside its place in wider systems of production. Editor: Yes, and it highlights how intertwined artistic choices are with shaping narratives around identity, politics, and society.