Figuren uit de Romeinse oudheid 1712 - 1774

Editor: This is "Figuren uit de Romeinse oudheid," or "Figures from Roman antiquity," an engraving by Jan Goeree, dating roughly from 1712 to 1774. It’s so detailed! I am intrigued by the juxtaposition of all these figures. How do you interpret this work, Curator? Curator: It's fascinating, isn't it? Look at how Goeree arranges classical symbols almost like an allegorical collage, it reminds me of flipping through history books as a child. What strikes you about the composition? Does it feel chaotic, or purposefully constructed? Editor: It feels purposefully constructed because the book sits right in the center with all the imagery framing it, but I wonder about the book’s placement at the front—what can you tell me about the choice to put it front and center, quite literally, almost obstructing our clear view of the composition behind? Curator: I love that you noticed that! I interpret the title itself and this deliberate obstruction as a meta-commentary. In placing the viewer quite deliberately on one side of the book or the other, do we appreciate its information or its literal weight more, it implies the very nature of understanding history is dependent on one’s placement relative to it! Does this engraving spark any connections to contemporary visual culture for you? Editor: I think I better appreciate how meaning is produced depending on one's relation to any subject, thanks! It does make me consider something similar occurs today in media! Curator: Absolutely! Perhaps Goeree, even centuries ago, understood the subjective nature of witnessing history and interpreting historical artifacts through image, word, and experience! It really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?