Saul spreekt met Samuels geest bij de heks van Endor 1662 - 1736

Editor: Here we have "Saul and the Ghost of Samuel at Endor," an engraving from somewhere between 1662 and 1736, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. There's something intensely theatrical about the scene – everyone is reacting so dramatically. The lines are so fine, yet convey so much… emotion? What do you make of it? Curator: Theatrical indeed! Almost operatic, wouldn’t you say? It sings of a desperate moment, ripped from the Old Testament. Saul, the King of Israel, is consulting a witch to summon the ghost of the prophet Samuel. Think about the weight of that decision, the transgression against divine law, rendered with these frenetic lines! Editor: The figures feel… spectral. Samuel looks rather annoyed to be disturbed! Curator: And rightfully so! Imagine being yanked from the afterlife to deal with Saul’s… frankly, terrible leadership skills. See how the artist uses light and shadow to give the spirit a less substantial form. Editor: So, beyond the dramatic scene, is there anything about the printmaking technique itself that stands out? Curator: Oh, absolutely. Engraving allowed for a remarkable level of detail. The cross-hatching builds up the shadows, creating this really rich and textural surface, even though it’s entirely linear. It's as if the artist is conjuring the scene through sheer willpower and exquisite line work. Did you catch that there is an odd snake crawling near Saul? Editor: Whoa, I almost missed it. Why a snake? Curator: The serpent, you know, a traditional symbol, could echo deception and temptation, a subtle suggestion about the dangerous path Saul's treading, but, heck, perhaps is just there for an ornamental touch, like an inside joke from the artist, haha! What a troubled dude Saul must have been! Editor: So much going on below the surface – literally! Curator: Indeed! Each viewing seems to peel back another layer of story and craft. Art always has surprises for those ready to look.