Portret van Jan van Goyen 1665 - 1738

Curator: Let’s turn our attention to “Portret van Jan van Goyen,” an etching and engraving rendered between 1665 and 1738, attributed to Carel de Moor II. The print captures Dutch Golden Age painter Jan van Goyen. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the economy of line. De Moor coaxes a lot of information with minimal mark-making. Look at how light almost vibrates off van Goyen’s ruffled collar and cloak—and that fantastic hat! Curator: The hat is quintessential Golden Age, isn’t it? Beyond the attire, what's remarkable here is the process of reproduction, where printing enabled images, including portraits like this, to reach a far wider audience than painted portraits ever could. Editor: It speaks volumes about accessibility. To create a printed image requires a series of choices, ones rooted in both technique and resourcefulness. The choice of etching and engraving for instance; with the right skill set it allowed for replication, for mass distribution. So the real question becomes, was the artist intentional or was it a commissioned job for some quick cash? Curator: Interesting. As for Carel, his approach certainly emphasizes Van Goyen's worldliness through subtle gradations of light. There is an understated authority to this, amplified by the way he leans on those books, grounding him, yet almost disappearing into a heavy drapery! Perhaps this choice was made in order to reinforce this narrative. The subject, in essence, appears more ‘real’ through suggested action of his hands pressing down in some effort, which is enhanced even further with this artist's material process. Editor: Absolutely, the layering helps develop that sensation. Considering how portraits often served as records of status and identity at the time, this print’s reach would have been immense in shaping how van Goyen was perceived. Beyond commemoration, there is an act of image proliferation occurring here that has significant historical implications on consumption of art. Curator: Indeed. It reframes notions of fame. For me, revisiting this image makes me wonder what van Goyen truly felt of himself, in the moment that image was created; which brings me back to your point, the importance of considering the social dynamics and implications of making “art” in this time. Editor: To step back and contemplate process illuminates the artist's intent behind choices to make. Thank you for enriching our interpretation today.