Penning bij het overlijden van Pieter Adriaansz. van der Werff, 1604 18th century

Editor: Here we have an 18th-century engraving, “Penning bij het overlijden van Pieter Adriaansz. van der Werff, 1604” created by an anonymous artist and housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It feels quite symbolic, with these two contrasting medallions. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Ah, this print sings to me of the ephemeral dance between legacy and mortality, doesn’t it? Note the split; light and dark, sun and… well, what *is* that hazy darkness doing over there? A snuffed-out candle? And the memento mori aspect of the crossed bones beneath the sun. These speak to the fashion of the era - to celebrate both life and death! See how the one side talks of deeds as light, and the other… "Deeds cannot be obscured" – so even in death, he continues to cast light from the grave? It’s deeply poetic. Editor: Yes, I can see that now! The contrast is much more poignant. I initially thought it was just about death, but there's definitely celebration happening here. Curator: Indeed! A celebration tempered with a little existential spice, naturally. Like enjoying a rich chocolate cake and wondering whether you have floss at home, or am I the only one? The Mannerist style lends itself to this layered thinking. So much packed into this image. I’m not surprised it still evokes such thought. Editor: It certainly does, and I am walking away with a richer understanding of death commemorations in art now. Thanks for all the interesting detail!