Personificatie van de Vergankelijkheid 1670 - 1682

Curator: Melchior Küsel’s engraving, "Personificatie van de Vergankelijkheid," created between 1670 and 1682, depicts a profound contemplation on transience. Editor: The first impression is one of intense quietude despite all the busyness and decay! It has the feel of an old philosophical problem brought into the light. The fine, etched lines feel delicate and sharp simultaneously. Curator: Exactly! The etching beautifully uses detailed, almost miniature-like strokes to conjure up allegorical imagery. The composition balances various symbols – an hourglass, a skull, and remnants of worldly possessions. Küsel juxtaposes these elements, making us ponder life's ephemeral nature. The hourglass being raised to face the artist makes one pause to consider. Editor: I'm curious, what do you make of the figures further off in the picture? It almost feels like he wants us to be acutely aware that the quiet contemplation from our cloistered monk-like person isn't the world as a whole; what we think and do will always fade in comparison to the nature around it. The figures moving around make that seem more obvious. Curator: I like that interpretation! Perhaps Küsel wanted to show how people busily partake in life while simultaneously facing their inescapable future. It is rather poetic! These contrasting visual ideas create tension and prompt reflection. There's something about how the personification sits above an upturned grave; there are a lot of symbolic ideas at play that want you to question the true permanence of things, not just material possessions. Editor: The materiality is really key, especially given its themes. I find that the fine medium and attention to details underscores the broader themes of memento mori – the impermanence of earthly things captured in the relative permanence of a reproduced print, intended for study. What starts as personal reflection becomes almost democratic. Curator: Indeed! Looking closely, I'm touched by the intimacy of such profound meditation through ink. And seeing "Personificatie van de Vergankelijkheid" here at the Rijksmuseum allows its historical voice to whisper lessons on life, and reminds me of all that survives change, just as art carries our memories into new encounters. Editor: A truly contemplative piece, well realized.