Portret van Elisabeth Precies 1781

Curator: Here we have Cornelis van Noorde’s 1781 engraving, a portrait of Elisabeth Precies. The piece currently resides in the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: My first thought? The power of wrinkles! There's such a story etched on her face, like rings on a tree trunk—a visual poem of a life lived. Curator: Indeed. What is striking here is Van Noorde’s use of the engraving technique to bring forth such texture—the lines that define her face, her clothing, it is a stunning dedication to the representation of aging. Editor: It’s interesting to me that we’re celebrating this woman's likeness centuries later via reproducible print. This was intended for mass production and dispersal, meaning images like these, even of "ordinary" people like Elisabeth, became part of popular visual culture. Curator: I think what strikes me most profoundly about this piece is Elisabeth’s knowing gaze. There’s such kindness there, yet it seems she looks right through you. What do you think of her posture, and that basket of apples? Editor: It looks like they have just been collected! The apples draw us down to the caption with all the lovely biographical information. Her connection to fruit in hand – so elemental and straightforward! As for the posture, her direct gaze meets her relaxed position— elbows on a table or resting on her body—that says ‘comfortable in my own skin’ if you ask me. Curator: Yes, there's a groundedness to it, for sure. It's almost a visual reminder of the earthiness of life, you know? She seems so incredibly present and in command of the moment despite the obvious hardships of aging. Editor: Absolutely. And considering this was an engraving intended for wider circulation, this artwork challenges the conventional definition of fine art. We’re forced to consider its accessibility to common people and question assumptions around the consumption of such works, especially outside elite circles. Curator: Thanks, you have helped me see more of her story, and understand more the story of this piece. Editor: Always a pleasure, and so nice to have the chance to connect with Elizabeth!