Anna Fullings 1578 - 1581

Editor: Here we have Hendrick Goltzius’ engraving "Anna Fullings," created sometime between 1578 and 1581. The details are amazing, almost photographic in their precision. The woman's expression, however, gives off a sense of resignation, or maybe just plain boredom. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: I find it fascinating how Goltzius uses this portrait to subtly comment on social decay through the depiction of Anna Fullings. The text at the bottom translates roughly to: "What does destructive time not diminish? A generation worse than their grandfathers begat us, we still more worthless will soon bring forth progeny more corrupt." Editor: Woah, I totally missed that. I thought it was just some nice-looking ornamentation at the bottom, haha. Is that self-deprecation, then? Is he talking about societal decline? Curator: Exactly! Look at how Anna is positioned, almost confined by the architectural elements in the background. It creates a sense of being trapped or burdened by the weight of social expectations, or even just trapped inside this metaphor that Goltzius has created. It's as though Goltzius uses her image, a very personal image of a real person, to signal a broader societal unease, all for public consumption and debate. Do you think this changes your view on whether she appears merely bored, or in resignation? Editor: I suppose it does! Seeing it in that context gives her expression, the background, everything a much heavier feel. Now it’s clear that Goltzius isn't just capturing an image but engaging in a visual commentary on the times. Curator: Precisely. And by doing so via printed image, Goltzius invites discourse, and his image becomes part of public life in the early modern era. Editor: I'll definitely be looking closer at those textual elements in prints now, seeing them as more than just decorative. Curator: Exactly!