Portret van Joost Banckert, vlootvoogd van Zeeland 1612 - 1665

Curator: Look at the confident bearing of Joost Banckert, captured in this engraving by Cornelis van Dalen I, sometime between 1612 and 1665. The print is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Editor: The density of line work! It almost obscures Banckert's features, but I find a strange dignity emerging from the shadows. A powerful declaration realized entirely through tonal variations. Curator: Van Dalen’s skilled hand translates Banckert's position in Zeeland's fleet into an instantly understandable visual language. The armor and that elaborate lace collar – clear indicators of status and command. And below the portrait, there is a whole naval fleet portrayed within a cartouche. Editor: The symbolism works well, placing him ‘above’ the fray, and yet visually integrated. Do you see the tiny figures? They’re completely enveloped by this… almost biblical smoke. I think that scene really makes this an unforgettable historical document as well as an aesthetic object. Curator: Absolutely. The scene of ships underscores the power and reach of the Dutch fleet, central to the economy and national pride. Banckert, commanding these forces, becomes an emblem of Dutch resilience against Spanish dominance. A key reminder of their mastery over the seas. Editor: Beyond the grand symbolism of maritime power, it's the textures that hold me. From the stiff formality of his clothes to the delicate engravings of the distant boats, I feel as though the work revels in the qualities unique to it as a crafted image. Curator: And I see the continuation of Zeeland's maritime identity being crafted through imagery as carefully as a ship itself, so future generations may appreciate the struggles and strength of past naval heroes such as Banckert. Editor: What starts as a dense display of Baroque finery unexpectedly unravels into something very contemplative and rich through the use of pure contrast, I like it a lot.