Portret van Andreas Essenius 1654

Editor: Here we have "Portret van Andreas Essenius", made in 1654. It’s an engraving; it appears to be a print of some kind. There is such an austerity to it! He looks very serious. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Seriousness? Absolutely! Though I also detect a kind of... I don't know... melancholy dignity. Look at the way the engraver used the line – almost scientifically, you could say – to create volume and texture. And it's so typical of the Dutch Golden Age; a real appetite for capturing individuals, flaws and all. You almost feel you could have a conversation with Essenius about Reformation theology. I wonder, does the text framing the image suggest anything to you? Editor: It’s all in Latin, so I can’t read most of it! Curator: Ah, the lost language of academia! Well, in essence, it names Essenius's credentials: "Professor of Theology and Philosophy". That text, in tandem with the solemnity of the image, suggests to me that we’re meant to see Essenius as a man of great intellect and importance, a pillar of his community, wouldn't you agree? The Baroque clearly blends with classicism here, a perfect storm of intellectual portrayal. Editor: I suppose so! I was mainly responding to his somewhat stern expression, but you're right. Everything is intended to suggest that he is important. It seems pretty effective at achieving this. Curator: Well, that’s the beauty of these prints; a snapshot of the times and the importance attached to intellectual prowess. Editor: This portrait really offers more than meets the eye. I am really seeing now how every line counts to evoke importance!