Portret van Erich Weismann 1717 - 1745

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this engraving, “Portret van Erich Weismann,” housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It dates from 1717-1745 and is attributed to Georg Kilian. Editor: Oh, wow. Immediately, there’s such a calm, almost… knowing serenity in his eyes. The monochrome adds to this feeling of timelessness. Curator: The portrait is a superb example of Baroque printmaking. We see Weismann, meticulously detailed with curls cascading and holding what appears to be a book. Note the elaborate inscription around the oval frame and below, brimming with humanist erudition. Editor: That book feels less like a prop and more like an extension of himself, doesn’t it? I wonder about the choice of rendering it in engraving – like each line meticulously etching the subject into history. There is something almost carved or monumental in the portrayal of Weismann, like we see a monument dedicated to learning. Curator: Precisely! Engravings like these served to disseminate knowledge and prestige. Consider the weight of those symbolic elements: the books representing his learning, the official titles encircling the portrait declaring his position. It is as much a cultural artifact of its time as it is an attempt to create enduring fame. Editor: And it makes me think about our impulse to document, to remember, to elevate figures, even now. In a way, this image whispers across centuries about our shared desires to leave a mark, whether it's through artistry, wisdom, or legacy. Funny how it still strikes that chord. Curator: It certainly does. Ultimately, works such as this serve as powerful portals, allowing us to not only witness artistry and learn about a figure like Weismann, but glimpse enduring themes in humanity. Editor: Yes, in a way we are also reminded to ask ourselves "what portrait will we carve?"