H. Petrus 1660

Curator: H. Petrus, made in 1660 by Lucas Vorsterman II, strikes me as intensely melancholic at first glance. He's clutching the keys with a real pensiveness. Editor: Yes, that's it exactly, isn't it? The weight of responsibility, maybe even regret. The artist clearly wants us to dwell on the psychological burden carried by such figures of authority, a familiar theme during this period. Curator: Right. It’s fascinating to think about the function this print may have served in its time. Printmaking allowed for the widespread distribution of images, and images of saints and religious leaders often had a didactic purpose or a function of instilling respect. It’s not just about faith but about the structures that uphold it. Editor: Didactic…that feels spot on. Even the medium itself, the fine lines etched into paper, has this air of old wisdom about it. But if you zoom in... there is this wild humanity that bubbles up from behind his solemnity; almost as though the lines themselves might want to misbehave if given half a chance! Curator: The artist definitely had mastery over engraving; the details of his garment and facial hair are very convincing. In terms of his era, we can link Lucas Vorsterman to the influence of Rubens. You will see Baroque themes here and there... Editor: Yes, very characteristic; also look how the face holds the light, compared to the shaded depth of everything around! And he just radiates a certain gravity. Like one feels upon seeing ancient maps where reality blends seamlessly with mythical imaginings; its both document and artifact all at once Curator: Absolutely. He carries both authority and burden with him. Knowing how Baroque-era artists were keen to engage emotionally, he manages that wonderfully. He gets this look which brings our contemporary idea of a weary soul to this historical and saintly image! Editor: Yes...a really pensive bloke, full of interesting conflict. Its wonderful how a simple line engraved 4 centuries ago in paper still keeps whispering questions to whoever bothers to look at it! Curator: Indeed. It speaks to how powerful and impactful artworks of past times still connect with the viewer today.