Mannenkop met gesloten ogen 1759

Curator: Here we have Christian Bernhard Rode's "Man's Head with Closed Eyes," dating back to 1759. It’s currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. What strikes you about this print? Editor: There's such an intense stillness. Like a storm paused, but you can feel it ready to break. The textures pull you right in, don't they? I can almost feel the rough weave of his head covering. Curator: Precisely. The engraving technique Rode employed lends itself exceptionally well to representing textures. Note the density of lines used to articulate the beard, contrasting sharply with the smoother handling of the face itself. It emphasizes volume, depth. Editor: The lighting is something else, too. The way it carves out the planes of his face, makes his brow look really heavy and brooding. Almost like he's wrestling with something deep down. Curator: Consider the Baroque style, emphasizing drama and emotional intensity. The man's closed eyes invite introspection; we’re left to imagine what visions or thoughts occupy his mind. Is it grief? Perhaps resignation? Editor: Or maybe, just maybe, he's catching a nap after a long day. I can relate! But you are right; there is real heft in this image. And there's also the fact it is made out of metal, this feels weighty for a small piece. It's powerful how something etched on a metal plate can convey such inner turmoil. Curator: And do consider also the function of such a piece; engravings, were very important way of sharing art and information in the pre-photography world. The image has a distribution purpose. It gives insight on the role played by this man, on his mood... Editor: Food for thought indeed. It definitely lingers in the mind. Something in his vulnerability hits hard. Thanks for guiding me through it. Curator: My pleasure. It’s precisely that evocative ambiguity, embedded within a rigorous formal structure, that defines the Baroque aesthetic, I think. Thank you.