Portretten van de koningen Jotam en Achaz Possibly 1610 - 1654

Editor: Here we have "Portretten van de koningen Jotam en Achaz", or "Portraits of Kings Jotham and Ahaz", which is estimated to have been created sometime between 1610 and 1654 by an anonymous artist. It’s an engraving, a print, held at the Rijksmuseum. It's really quite detailed. The faces are so expressive, even though it's just black and white. How do you see this piece? Curator: From a formalist perspective, I'm immediately drawn to the composition. The symmetry is striking, isn’t it? Each king is framed within an oval, mirrored on either side of the page. This creates a sense of balance and order. Editor: Yes, I noticed the ovals too. They look almost like medals. But I'm also curious about the lines themselves, the marks made by the engraver. Are they just representational, or do they have a quality of their own? Curator: Exactly! The lines are not merely descriptive; they *create* form and texture. Notice how the density of the lines around their faces defines the contours, and the varying widths suggest depth. The cross-hatching, especially in the darker areas of the clothing, generates a sense of volume and weight. The lines are active, expressive elements in themselves. Furthermore, we can note how the costumes and headwear create rhythm through shapes that vary in complexity and contrast, no? Editor: So, you’re focusing on the purely visual elements and how they interact? Does that mean that you ignore the subject matter – the fact that they are portraits of kings from the Bible? Curator: Not ignore, precisely, but de-emphasize. For me, the symbolic importance takes a backseat. Editor: Fascinating! I always thought the story *behind* the image was the most important. It's so interesting to think of it in a completely visual way. Curator: Indeed, through visual composition, the lines establish patterns of meaning, irrespective of their connection with Biblical narratives.