Ruit met het verbond tussen God en Abraham, de Verschijning van God aan Abraham en de Besnijdenis van Izaak c. 1535 - 1540

Curator: Dirck Vellert created this oil-on-panel roundel, dating from about 1535 to 1540. Its title is, quite descriptively, Ruit met het verbond tussen God en Abraham, de Verschijning van God aan Abraham en de Besnijdenis van Izaak. Editor: Wow, that title is almost longer than the piece looks! I find the subdued ochre palette oddly comforting; like gazing through an old photograph. It gives this biblical scene a gentle, almost nostalgic aura. Curator: Let’s not forget the social framework from which Vellert emerged. Antwerp, in the 16th century, experienced increasing economic prosperity thanks to trade. It became a very significant artistic production center; therefore, it’s very tempting to see this image as an item that speaks to a rich merchant interested in historical and religious narratives. The oil on panel speaks to the accessibility and commerciality of the product, when you compare to the preceding, more monumental and site-specific arts of the 15th century. Editor: Yes, its intimate scale allows a detailed yet digestible take on these narratives. And I like the overlapping timelines: it's as if Vellert is playing with how stories resonate through time. But let's get to that eerie little face staring out of the orb being offered, looming large in the centre foreground. The sense of fate, predestination hanging there is amazing! Curator: Agreed. Think also about the labor and materials invested to render this panel – the sourcing of pigments, the preparation of the ground. There is an attention to detail. Editor: I can practically feel the craftsman’s hand as I study that little face; and, dare I say, I feel the spirit there as well. I like its imperfection. So I ask myself: "If this panel could whisper, what tale of Abraham, of Antwerp, or even of Dirck himself would it spin?" Curator: Fascinating! A blend of artisanal process and profound themes that are perfectly balanced for a compact artifact intended to hang in the domestic context. Editor: Yes. So this window into the past still reflects the present day with that little face and all its weight. That's worth spending a moment considering!