Portret van Christian Thomasius 1694 - 1728

Curator: Before us we have a piece titled "Portret van Christian Thomasius," a print created sometime between 1694 and 1728 by Martin Bernigeroth, currently residing here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first thought? All that meticulous swirling linework forming his wig – it’s almost like the artist was more interested in crafting an ethereal halo than capturing the essence of the man himself. Curator: Indeed. The texture achieves a symbolic quality. It suggests the height of Baroque portraiture conventions: formality, status, and perhaps the fleeting nature of worldly appearance itself. Note the intricate details Bernigeroth manages to achieve through engraving. Editor: It's a bit theatrical, no? Like he's perpetually on the verge of delivering some profound pronouncement. Yet, there's a slight twinkle in his eyes...as if he's aware of the performance. I find that contradiction utterly charming. Curator: Observe, if you will, the framing. The oval format containing the sitter. Beneath this we see an inscription declaring Thomasius’ titles and affiliations. These framing elements establish a clear hierarchy. Structure underscores importance. Editor: Yes, I see how everything about the design emphasizes authority, even though, to be honest, I find the entire aesthetic rather fussy! He’s drowning in velvet and curly white hair! There’s something inherently playful about how overwrought it all is. It’s beautiful excess! Curator: We can observe the artistic skill in play through the treatment of light and shadow. Bernigeroth renders subtle nuances in the face. Consider the symbolic value of the materials—paper transformed through etching and engraving into a permanent, if monochrome, image. Editor: Monochrome allows you to imagine the era, no? The somber academic tone of 17th century Northern Europe. He reminds me of a distinguished teddy bear… very huggable, but you probably wouldn’t dare. Curator: A novel assessment! I've focused on its structure as a cultural artifact; you see its personality revealed through playful strokes and hidden contradictions. Editor: It makes you wonder about Christian Thomasius, the human being beneath all that pomp. Thanks to Martin Bernigeroth’s skill we might speculate forever.