Drie ruiters en een hellebaardier 1686 - 1710

Editor: So, this print is called *Three Riders and a Halberdier*. It's by Georg Conrad Bodenehr, dating somewhere between 1686 and 1710. It definitely feels like a stage setting, doesn't it? The figures seem a little stiff, almost like caricatures. What's your read on this piece? Curator: Stiff, like period actors caught in a play freeze? Exactly! And you nailed it with the "caricature" vibe. That almost theatrical style was common in Baroque art, a way of making serious points through a veil of satire. This work winks and nods at the viewer. Look at how they are arranged, three almost prancing horses in the front plane while behind the Halberdier is standing proud in the space provided, like an army leader showing of their army and castle! Do you get the sense that something is *off* about their interactions? Editor: You mean beyond the slightly cartoonish features? Yes! The guy on horseback is almost collapsing...like he is very fatigued or about to sneeze in to the other horsemen neck. And the Halberdier-- that halberd seems awfully large compared to him. And how he's displaying his hat? Is he bowing? Demanding something? It is very awkward positioning on top of caricature drawing so you may find humor in its meaning and message! Curator: Bingo! The artist makes you ask yourself if something dramatic is about to happen with such theatrics! This could reflect on political or social climate when one makes fun of the elites or figures with high ranking positions. Remember also it's an engraving: line is everything. Bodenehr uses line not just to depict, but almost to *comment* on his subjects. How does the line-work reinforce that slightly off-kilter feeling for you? Editor: The hatching makes everything a little rough, almost frantic. The background seems more important than the figures as well since everything lines back up into perspective toward the buildings in the back. It heightens that sense of drama and emphasizes that everything is not as calm or put together as one would like to assume. Curator: Precisely. It feels almost... rebellious, doesn't it? This piece initially struck me for its boldness to tell some truth, now you have helped see a rebellion message! Thank you. Editor: Thank you, now I am curious if it were part of some series. It certainly made me question power and storytelling back then!