Adgillis II, zevende koning der Friezen 1611 - 1623

Curator: Before us is an engraving titled "Adgillis II, zevende koning der Friezen," created sometime between 1611 and 1623, attributed to Pieter Feddes van Harlingen. It’s currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It strikes me as a fascinating portrayal. The texture rendered through engraving gives the figure a real gravitas. There's a kind of austere grandeur about the man, even with that peculiar, slightly fussy ornamentation of his clothes. Curator: Indeed. The figure stands assertively, adorned in regal attire. The texture is skillfully achieved using line work alone. Notice how the density and direction of those lines articulate form, creating contrast and depth. The fur trim of his cloak, for instance, shows great care. Editor: What's striking is how the engraver captured a kind of idealized ruler within the social context of his time, an era steeped in concepts of legacy and dynastic claims. Note the escutcheon at the upper right. How is the presentation an argument? Curator: It suggests historical lineage, legitimizing authority. The placement is critical, serving as a visual signifier of inherited right and nobility, reinforcing the intended message of legitimate rule to the contemporary observer. Editor: It's hard to look past the figure’s stance. To me it communicates authority. Look how one hand rests assuredly on his hip as if surveying his domain! What more can be understood regarding the politics of imagery? Curator: The sword handle suggests an inherent right to wield power. However, I believe the most vital thing we might take away from this artwork, with its highly stylized lines and rigid pose, is a deeper appreciation for engraving as a complex, time-honored craft in its own right. Editor: Absolutely. And on the other hand, the picture offers insight into the construction of authority during that era and compels reflection on how these systems evolve over time.