Wijding van een bisschop 1722

Editor: So, this is "Wijding van een bisschop," or "Consecration of a Bishop," an engraving from 1722 by Bernard Picart. The division into little scenes almost reads like a comic strip detailing a historical event. I'm struck by the crisp detail and the almost theatrical arrangement of figures. What's your take on this one? Curator: Ah, a theatrical production captured in lines! I see a fascinating dance between faith, power, and performance. Picart gives us a glimpse into a very particular ritual of the Baroque era, right? The repetition in these frames tells its own story – a sequence, a building, a *becoming*. Each small tableau is an act of transformation. Consider the visual rhythm he creates: a prostrate figure here, an elevated bishop there. Is it compelling, even a little dizzying, don't you think? What do you find most captivating? Editor: The solemnity, probably, despite it being, as you said, theatrical. It’s interesting how such formality can feel so… human, I suppose? Curator: Exactly! We are seeing something eternal played out by mere mortals. How fabulous is that? Picart invites us to become witnesses to this timeless drama, urging us to consider how institutions shape beliefs and behaviours and all with incredible economy of line, it's practically alchemy, isn't it? Editor: Definitely! Seeing the cultural weight in this and thinking about Picart’s artistic skill adds layers I wouldn’t have noticed at first glance. Curator: Wonderful. It is rather magical, isn't it? And so our journey continues.