Portret van Georg Achaz Heher 1667

Curator: I'm immediately struck by the meticulous detail in this portrait. The artist masterfully used engraving to convey the textures of fabric and skin. It gives the whole piece a subdued yet striking feel. Editor: Indeed. The artwork before us is entitled "Portret van Georg Achaz Heher." It's an engraving completed in 1667 by Johann Alexander Böner and is currently held in the Rijksmuseum collection. Engravings like this one played a vital role in disseminating images and information during the Baroque era. Curator: You can really see how the engraver used hatching to create shadows and depth around the sitter's face. There's a strong sense of volume given the limitations of the medium, I'm just very drawn to it. The inscription adds a level of detail which seems rather typical. Editor: Absolutely. Consider the socio-political implications of portraiture at the time. Individuals, particularly those of high social standing, sought to solidify their image, their legacy, through the dissemination of these engravings. Think of the cultural currency here, as well as Böner securing his position. Curator: The oval frame and the flowing banners surrounding the central figure feel distinctly Baroque in their ornamentation. Editor: A flourish indicative of the era's theatricality, certainly, but it's all rather grounded by the rather stern central subject, no? I would say he feels rather important to the world depicted, by his posture and even slight expression. It adds so much interest when taken with other examples of the genre. Curator: Yes, a hint of formality perhaps – the costume is striking. As you suggest, these features speak of authority but, arguably, in a relatively understated fashion when considering comparable Baroque portraiture. It avoids a level of exaggeration which feels well chosen for such a piece. Editor: I agree, and perhaps Böner took a certain level of risk in not succumbing to all established norms. It’s through the circulation and preservation of images like this one, after all, that we get to understand better how individuals saw themselves and wished to be seen by history. A fascinating slice of cultural heritage. Curator: For me it has that strong interplay of tones, it has me hooked!