Cholerisch temperament 1549 - 1591

Editor: We’re looking at a print called "Cholerisch Temperament," dating from between 1549 and 1591, housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It’s an engraving, seemingly unsigned. My first impression is one of controlled fury—there's a lot happening in a small space, but the details are so precise! What's your take? What strikes you most about this work? Curator: Well, it grabs me right away – that figure perched precariously on what looks like a distressed bear! It feels…turbulent. See how the lines aren’t just describing shapes, but creating a visual buzz? Think of the time; the Northern Renaissance was all about intense emotions rendered with almost scientific precision. Each engraved line feels like a tiny emotional tremor. Makes you wonder, what *exactly* ignited *his* inner bonfire? Do you feel the tension too? It feels... personal, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely! It’s not just a generic depiction of anger, there’s something individual about him, his expression and even the way he’s dressed, like he grabbed whatever was nearest to hand. I noticed the fire blazing in the background and I find the bear a weird companion... why a bear? Curator: Good question. Think allegorically: a bear is strong, yes, even primal but represents untapped strength – the type of raw, instinctive response one experiences during anger, in particular if a 'cholerisch' one, in terms of humoral theory... it makes the image complex because he appears in command, yet struggles for complete control... which gets me thinking, where does control stop and destruction begin? Perhaps, the bear’s more of a warning… a burden he's carrying, rather than simply an aggressive symbol... Editor: Wow, that's a whole new way of seeing it. Now I feel the conflicting strength and burden way more intensely. I definitely appreciate that mix of Renaissance detail and emotional chaos... So much food for thought! Thanks. Curator: Precisely, and that’s the beautiful thing about these works—they speak across the centuries if you take time to really listen…or maybe I should say, *feel*. I see and feel it very differently now thanks to our little exchange. Thanks!