Jan Lutma, the Elder 1656

Curator: Here we have Jan Lutma, the Elder, an intriguing portrait made by Jan Lutma the Younger. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. What's your first take? Editor: It feels heavy. The texture of the fur and the man's deep gaze really anchor it. There's a solemn stillness here. Curator: Right, and Lutma the Younger really captures his father’s essence. Notice the elder Lutma’s tools; the compass in his left hand, the sheet of paper, a symbol of creation. The furrow in his brow? Editor: That compass, though... circles within circles. Is he searching for a center? Curator: Maybe. Or maybe it represents the meticulousness of his craft. It’s a symbol of precision and artistry, don’t you think? And it's beautiful, right? It speaks of legacy. Editor: Absolutely. I’m feeling this piece. It makes me think about our ancestors in new ways. Curator: Agreed. Makes you appreciate the craft.