Medaillon c. 1650 - 1670

Curator: This engraving is titled "Medaillon" by Jacques Vauquer, created sometime between 1650 and 1670. It resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It's incredibly intricate. The contrast between the black ink and the stark paper creates a high-drama visual effect. It feels very formal and ordered, yet wild at the same time. Curator: Baroque ornamentation certainly lends to that complexity, wouldn’t you say? The composition is essentially symmetrical, organized around this vertical axis. There's a mask or grotesque figure at the bottom and the overall image evokes an emblematic tradition. Think of personal crests and heraldry of the era. Editor: Absolutely. And even within that rigid structure, there's a lively energy. The birds perched around the composition—some facing outwards, others seeming to be diving into the floral scrollwork at the center—create visual vectors that constantly pull the eye in different directions. The shapes have this almost muscular tension to them, even the leaves. Curator: Birds frequently symbolize freedom, spirituality, even the soul's journey, don’t they? Given the piece’s symmetry and overall design, I can see this potentially adorning a devotional object or a family emblem to declare one's moral character. And notice how some of the botanical elements almost suggest classical acanthus leaves – recalling the glories of antiquity. Editor: You’re right! The balance of dark and light, the repetition of curvilinear motifs—they all work together to generate a feeling of controlled exuberance, as if the wildness has been cultivated and meticulously arranged. Curator: Indeed. The print could even have been used as a model for other works. It shows us the time period's particular focus on order and luxury. There’s an expression of abundance—an outward display that reinforces ideals of prosperity, rank, and faith. Editor: Considering how controlled every line looks, the texture, created solely with engravings, must have been extremely challenging to achieve. It looks simple in the thumbnail but becomes remarkably rich once you zoom in. It reflects an era keen on visual sophistication and detail. Curator: It speaks to how we used images as a form of identity making during this era. A well-defined symbol communicates both concrete status, as well as the ephemeral spirit. Editor: Well, I have a new appreciation for both its intricacy and symbolic potential. It’s really like peeking into the values of another era.