Raad 1533 - 1567

Editor: So, this is “Raad,” an engraving by Enea Vico, dating back to somewhere between 1533 and 1567. It's currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. It has an academic style of history-painting from the Italian Renaissance. The composition feels… theatrical, almost stagey. What catches your eye when you look at it? Curator: The stage is a good observation! For me, the fun here is imagining Vico winking at us. Like he’s pulled back the curtain – literally, look at that drapery – on some eternal scene of judgement and counsel. What’s being judged? What counsel given? The figures are frozen, aren’t they, mid-gesture. But the line work is so alive, teeming with little crosshatched dramas. Notice how it creates depth? You almost forget it's just lines on paper! The book practically screams with unspoken words, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Definitely. The density of the lines in the clothing creates such rich texture. That book seems important; is it hinting at some particular narrative or lesson, you think? Curator: Absolutely. Engravings like these circulated widely. Vico was replicating some already-familiar subject or allegory. See how "CONSILIVM" is emblazoned at the base of the throne? 'Consilium' is Latin for council. It may point at civic virtue or leadership… Or even simply: heed the wisdom of the aged. Editor: I see it. That connection of the inscription with an iconographic analysis is very insightful. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. The beautiful mystery in works of art awaits us. Always!