Pierre de Montarsis c. 17th century

Curator: This is Gérard Edelinck's portrait of Pierre de Montarsis, held by the Harvard Art Museums. Look at the expressive detail he’s captured using engraving. Editor: It's a study in contrasts, really. The dark, solid background pushes forward the swirling mass of his wig and the bright planes of his face. Curator: Absolutely, that contrast is significant. Montarsis, with the book and bell, is presented as a man of intellect and perhaps authority. These are symbols of his identity and social standing, then and now. Editor: And the composition subtly leads the eye. From the open book, it travels up the subject's arm, across the shoulder, and finally rests on the gaze directed toward the left of the image. Curator: What strikes me most is the implied narrative. The tilt of his head, the gesture of his hand… He is engaged in thought. Editor: True, it's a skillfully constructed image. Edelinck plays with line and tone to draw us into this man's world. Curator: Indeed. Edelinck's work invites us to contemplate not only Montarsis himself, but also the enduring power of symbolic representation. Editor: I find it compelling how such a simple composition speaks volumes with its stark tonal range.