Portret van Jacques Dubois 1630

Editor: This engraving, dating back to 1630, presents a 'Portrait of Jacques Dubois'—or Jacobus Sylvius Ambianus as the inscription suggests—crafted by Michel Faulte. There's a real sense of steadfastness, almost stoicism, conveyed through the profile. What story do you think it whispers? Curator: A rather compelling whisper, indeed. This portrait, with its precise lines, it doesn't just show us Dubois. He appears caught in thought, doesn't he? Consider, it's a baroque print, history being captured as an artistic statement and also offering medical insight. Think about the gaze: direct, knowledgeable. He's not just a face from history, he is History embodied. Does the subject matter exude certain feeling? Editor: Now that you point that out, I am compelled. So what does all that suggest to you about the significance of medical illustration at this point in time? What statement it makes? Curator: That's a crucial question, a bridge between craft and purpose. Engravings, as prints, democratized images, and this portrait elevates medical knowledge and figures to almost heroic stature, think! Dubois isn't simply rendered. We’re asked to contemplate his contributions. What would you ask the portrait, if you could? Editor: Perhaps, "What did you know then, that we are still figuring out now?" It is indeed heroic, both the image and what is expressed of this person, you're so right. Curator: A beautiful question! Art always leads us down avenues that loop to the present day, doesn't it? Editor: It absolutely does! Thinking about the looping back, it really underscores what's meant to be "figured." So helpful! Thank you.