Jubileum van Johan Hendrik Nicolaas Ruijsch van Dugteren provoost van de Muntgezellen van 's Rijks Munt te Utrecht 1898 1898

Curator: Alright, so let’s dive in! Editor: This is a bronze relief from 1898 by Johan Melchior Faddegon, called *Jubileum van Johan Hendrik Nicolaas Ruijsch van Dugteren provoost van de Muntgezellen van 's Rijks Munt te Utrecht 1898*. Quite a mouthful! It's a portrait, and my first impression is that it feels quite formal and… serious. What stands out to you most about it? Curator: The weight of history, definitely. This piece practically *smells* of the 19th century, doesn’t it? It reminds me of visiting my great aunt – all dark wood and stiff collars. The artist really captures the essence of respectable civic duty. It's that slightly world-weary gaze. What do you make of his expression? Do you think he’s pleased to be commemorated like this? Editor: That’s a good question. He does look… determined, maybe? Not exactly joyous. Perhaps being a ‘provoost van de Muntgezellen’ was a very serious business indeed. I guess it’s also interesting how it feels both sculptural and painterly. Curator: Absolutely. See how Faddegon plays with depth and shadow, creating the illusion of space on a flat surface. It’s almost photographic in its realism, yet utterly tactile because it’s a relief. Almost like trying to capture a fleeting moment. If you could talk to this man, what would you ask him? Editor: Probably something along the lines of, "So, tell me about your job… and do you ever get to keep any of the money you make?” That, or maybe what Utrecht was like back then. Curator: I think you’d get some very fascinating answers! This work reminds us that art can commemorate people beyond royalty. A window to their time. Editor: Exactly, and I see the appeal. Bronze feels like it embodies lasting remembrance. Curator: Beautifully put!