Joash presented to the army 1565 - 1568

Editor: We're looking at "Joash presented to the army," an engraving by Harmen Jansz. Muller from sometime around 1565. It’s packed with figures in a tight space. The mood feels both celebratory and chaotic; it’s as if the whole scene might spill right out of the frame. I am intrigued by the contrast in the robes and outfits that are presented in this art piece. What do you see in this print? Curator: Ah, "Joash." A swirling vortex of line and gesture, isn't it? To me, it speaks of power – but power precariously held. Note how Muller crams the scene; there’s a deliberate lack of breathing room, which mirrors the nervous energy of the moment. This Mannerist style, this pushing against the classical ideals of balance and harmony…it’s like a pressure cooker about to blow! Don't you get that sense of barely controlled frenzy? Editor: I can see that! The sheer number of figures does feel overwhelming. There are some many different facial expression that express many moods. The guy at the very front almost seems bored! Curator: Precisely! And did you notice the theatrical poses? Everyone seems to be acting. Remember, this scene, ripped from the Old Testament, is a carefully staged coup. Muller's really hitting that sense of manufactured spectacle. A savior king…presented for approval, right? And is it me or can we perceive a hint of irony. As in, does this depiction of leadership make you hopeful, or fearful? Editor: It's unsettling, for sure. I mean, on the one hand, you have Joash presented almost messiah-like, but on the other hand there's so much... activity... It's hard to focus, and it's hard to trust that this whole thing won't fall apart at any second. I did notice how cramped everyone is! Curator: So you’re getting a similar vibe. I love that. You’ve given me pause to think how the image also manages to address something far more timeless – the complex, conflicted theater of leadership. And perhaps how appearances can be profoundly deceiving? Food for thought, eh?