Portret van Jobst Christoph II Kress von Kressenstein 1691

Editor: This is "Portret van Jobst Christoph II Kress von Kressenstein," an engraving by Johann Christoph Sartorius from 1691, housed at the Rijksmuseum. It strikes me as incredibly formal, with a rigid composition, a symmetrical design and so many lines from the technique of engraving that it looks more architectural than organic! What formal elements stand out to you? Curator: The engraving's power resides in its mastery of line and texture to describe form. Consider the ruff collar; notice how a network of fine, precise lines captures the texture, its layering and the way it interacts with light, all rendered in subtle gradations of tone. Sartorius expertly manipulated line to define shape and space. Editor: So, it's less about representing Kressenstein himself, and more about the abstract qualities? Curator: Precisely. Observe the intricate detail of his hair, created by building layers and clusters of etched lines. Note the subtle nuances in shading and texture – from the smooth planes of his face to the coarse furrows in his brow. Where do you see examples of symmetry and asymmetry used? Editor: The placement of his shoulders is pretty symmetrical, and his gaze seems like it wants to align straight forward, but his face is turned every-so-slightly off center? Curator: And the lines of Latin text which have their own geometric arrangement, yet simultaneously inform us on the identity of the figure depicted in the artwork? All the pieces and parts relate to one another. The portrait is not merely a record but a structured visual system. The arrangement on the page contributes to our interpretation. Editor: So by analysing its internal construction, it allows us to understand the image itself and even society. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, focusing on those qualities reveals deeper insights into the art and craft of portraiture itself during this time!