Portret van Ulrich Laurentius 1664 - 1685

Editor: Here we have Nicolaus Häublin's "Portret van Ulrich Laurentius," an engraving dating from sometime between 1664 and 1685. It's rendered with incredibly fine lines; it feels serious and quite formal to me. What stands out to you about this portrait? Curator: Well, immediately I’m drawn to the almost unsettling directness of the gaze. He really meets your eyes, doesn't he? Given its purpose and place in the Baroque tradition, portraits of this era frequently functioned as both records and statements of aspiration or identity. In thinking about the layers of meaning within the very act of image-making and dissemination at the time, does it appear different to you? Editor: I see what you mean, the details were considered, his hair for example, it wasn't just a detail. The lines create a beautiful flow in the image. I am wondering what’s with the inscription at the bottom? Curator: Excellent question. In Baroque portraiture, the embellishments often contributed significantly to conveying status. His name of course, along with other biographical information, would allow one to easily connect Ulrich Laurentius to specific place and community. How might that act as a clue, for a modern audience, towards interpreting this person? Editor: It provides an additional access point, offering clues about their origins and potentially social standing that goes beyond the visual representation. Almost like adding metadata to the work, I think it is very telling! Curator: Precisely. Häublin masterfully utilizes the rigid constraints of printmaking to breathe vitality into Laurentius. Considering that, where do you think that skill is most obvious? Editor: I see it especially in the rendering of the hair and clothing. The textures created by those lines really bring those elements to life, suggesting volume and movement, I find that so subtle! Thank you.