Portret van Viglius van Lumey van der Marck 1633

Editor: Here we have Crispijn van de Passe the Younger's engraving, "Portret van Viglius van Lumey van der Marck" from 1633, located in the Rijksmuseum. It has such a striking presence despite being a monochrome print. What formal qualities stand out to you? Curator: The formal arrangement immediately suggests a concern with status and authority. Consider the oval frame, containing the sitter, yet seemingly struggling to contain him. The eyes direct our focus towards the center; the framing creates visual unity between the man and inscription below, despite the contrasting textual nature. The sharp contrast between the figure's light ruff and dark robe directs attention upwards towards the subject's face. The coat-of-arms beneath adds symbolic weight. What do you think this contributes? Editor: So, the framing and chiaroscuro highlight not just the man, but his importance. The placement of his coat-of-arms also signals to us a status confirmed both visually and symbolically. But, how might the lines within the portrait’s subject’s face add more to this assertion? Curator: Note the fineness of the engraving, building tone with delicate hatches and cross-hatchings to suggest the aging Viglius' character and perceived wisdom through those delicate markings in his face. Consider how those small and controlled gestures are themselves acts of formal respect and elevate the act of portraying. It creates a textural dynamism on the page that wouldn't be visible in mere documentation. How can the viewer really feel present with Viglius now? Editor: That's fascinating, viewing the marks and gestures that formulate age as an extension of his character. The artist really took all this into consideration. I see a new purpose to such small deliberate actions and marks that make up this powerful figure, through a new set of eyes.