An Amsterdam Burgomaster (?) c. 1660 - 1675

Editor: We're looking at "An Amsterdam Burgomaster(?)," a marble sculpture from around 1660-1675 by Bartholomeus Eggers. I'm struck by the texture of the marble, especially in the drapery. It almost looks soft. What else jumps out at you about this piece? Curator: Soft, yes! Marble can do that, can't it? Eggers really coaxes out a certain vulnerability here. It’s like he's caught the Burgomaster in a moment of contemplation, maybe even doubt, amidst all that civic duty. That slight furrow of the brow, the almost hesitant placement of his hand... Dutch Golden Age portraits often celebrated prosperity and civic virtue, but this feels more intimate, wouldn't you agree? More...human? Editor: Absolutely! It's not just a portrayal of power. The hand gesture…it's almost protective. Could it be symbolic of something? Curator: Ah, symbolism! Perhaps guarding not just his own heart but also the "heart" of Amsterdam? Or maybe it's less about overt symbolism and more about revealing the psychological complexities of leadership. What do you make of his gaze? Editor: It's very direct. There's a sense of connection… almost as if he’s sizing you up! Curator: Precisely! Eggers gives us a window into a soul wrestling with responsibility. You see the wealth and power implied, but the piece lingers instead in quieter registers. The Dutch had mastered that talent: intimate epics. Now that you’ve spent time with this guy, the question is: Do you trust him? Editor: Wow, I didn’t think I'd be asking myself that question after just looking at a bust! It definitely changes how I see the whole Dutch Golden Age portrait tradition. Curator: Exactly! A still, small voice in stone. He stays with you, doesn't he?