Portret van Henricus van Born 1677 - 1684

Curator: Ah, here we have a 17th-century engraving, likely dating between 1677 and 1684. It’s titled “Portret van Henricus van Born” and attributed to Joannes de Jongh. Notice the meticulous detailing typical of the baroque era and the subject matter rendered as a print. Editor: First impression? Stark! Almost severe with those sharp lines carved into the plate. But also oddly endearing, perhaps it’s the man’s half smile? I can’t help but feel I'm looking through time somehow, catching a glimpse of this Henricus character and, like a faded mirror image. Curator: The technical process is indeed key. This is engraving, after all – a laborious process where the artist physically cuts lines into a metal plate, creating the image. Each line demands careful planning and skilled execution, mirroring the subject's own learned profession. You get an almost architectural quality with these old engraving prints, which you can see here in the details of the background and his garments. Editor: The level of skill is something to marvel at, transforming cold metal into warmth of character, I'm fascinated by how they evoked emotion and intellect using what is essentially very fine scratching. See how his hand rests upon what I presume is the Holy Book? How vulnerable he seems to me right here and now. Almost like this engraving preserved part of him so all these years after he feels ineffably alive through this. Curator: Yes, the book is key. It is of course, the symbolic cornerstone of his identity as a preacher. Notice the deliberate composition here, too; van Born presented not just as an individual, but as part of this broader intellectual and religious landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. His garments are important here as they point toward his high-status lifestyle. It wasn't cheap wearing fabric of this quality at this time in society! Editor: Absolutely, it really shows off the power of art doesn't it? In my mind I try and recreate the studio it was composed within and all of the work of craftsmanship of putting the art out for the market and for its final purpose. Curator: Thinking about production conditions of these images shifts perspective from our 21st century habits doesn’t it! The time and effort dedicated and resources needed give the images another interesting viewpoint on art practice. Editor: It truly does make you wonder.