Portret van Anna Fullings, moeder van de kunstenaar 1581 - 1585

Curator: This compelling print is entitled "Portret van Anna Fullings, moeder van de kunstenaar," or "Portrait of Anna Fullings, Mother of the Artist," made between 1581 and 1585 by Hendrick Goltzius. It resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: She looks remarkably severe, doesn’t she? But with this very particular, crisp Northern Renaissance style, it also seems more about conveying status than an intimate portrayal of character. It almost feels like a social document, cataloging a life through fashion and possessions. Curator: You touch on an interesting point about the “documentary” aspect, particularly when we consider Goltzius’s virtuosity with the burin. The way he coaxes textures—the fur, the lace ruff, even the wood grain on the table—it is, indeed, about status. But perhaps also a son showcasing his considerable skill, honoring his mother with the finest craftsmanship. Editor: And think about what it means to produce an image like this—it's all about labor! The lines incised with such precision into the copper plate, the pressure applied to create the print… Every mark represents physical work. There’s also something deeply symbolic here. Consider Anna Fullings's prominent place, dominating the space, while her surroundings and belongings fill out a very small corner of the work! Curator: I see your point, but perhaps the backdrop isn't quite secondary. I am drawn to the detail of the scene just beyond the window – the birds and buildings fading in the distance that draw the eye of a wandering dreamer such as myself. Editor: It's like Goltzius wanted to portray both Anna's stoicism and her vibrant background at once! These are two separate and distant ideas, aren't they? I get the sense this might be her way of trying to honor the very same mother with two contradicting characteristics, which happens often. Curator: Indeed! Maybe the magic resides precisely in those perceived contradictions. It's a family album come to life.