Penning met het portret van de Heilige Willibrord en de namen van de bisschoppen van Utrecht 1685 - 1720

Curator: So, here we have a rather curious engraving. The inscription tells us it’s a commemorative medal, "Penning met het portret van de Heilige Willibrord en de namen van de bisschoppen van Utrecht,” dating roughly from 1685 to 1720. Editor: It reminds me of a pocket watch. The circle with lists and radiating lines makes it look less like a portrait and more like an instrument. Curator: Indeed. The central image is a portrait of Saint Willibrord, depicted in traditional garb, holding a crosier, surrounded by lists of the bishops of Utrecht over the centuries. Editor: So, it’s an attempt to ground this religious figure within a historical lineage. These names ringing him almost seem like a halo turned architectural support. The baroque detail, though restrained, is certainly present. The pattern created by names and numbers makes this an intricate, densely layered composition. Curator: I'm fascinated by how time is represented here. Each name anchors a moment, a human life dedicated to the church, laid out sequentially, and this engraving is clearly playing on notions of lineage, power and permanence, yet time eventually erodes all those things, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely. It’s like they're trying to create an unbroken chain of spiritual authority. You have the portrait acting almost as a linchpin. By enclosing it with this literal list, they are attempting to keep the narrative of tradition alive and concrete, maybe in contrast to some anxieties about modernity, perhaps? Curator: Exactly. In this context, even the choice of printmaking serves a symbolic purpose. Print as an instrument to carry religious messages over time… this seems less about saintliness and more about institutionality. Editor: Yes, more bureaucracy, less divine intervention! Curator: It’s a fascinating blend of religious imagery and administrative record. I hadn't noticed that play on institutionality, I love that. Editor: It’s quite thought-provoking, right? Like a visual encapsulation of faith, history, and power intertwined. I see that it’s meant for study, contemplation and record, all at the same time.