Portret van Pieter Cornelis Plugge, hoogleraar wis- en natuurkunde in Groningen en rector magnificus van 1889 tot 1890 before 1890

Editor: We are looking at a photograph adhered to the inside of what appears to be a sketchbook, entitled "Portret van Pieter Cornelis Plugge, hoogleraar wis- en natuurkunde in Groningen en rector magnificus van 1889 tot 1890" before 1890, currently in the Rijksmuseum collection. What strikes me most is the stark contrast – on one page, a portrait of a stern-looking man, and opposite him, a sketch of what looks like Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare. What's your take on this juxtaposition? Curator: Oh, isn't it fantastic? I think it whispers a secret about Plugge himself. It makes me imagine someone paging through this, thinking about the connection between the tangible world—Plugge’s stern professorial gaze captured in a very academic pose—and the realm of ideals, aspiration, the “divine wisdom” represented by Athena. Who do you think felt inspired enough to make these additions to their notebook? What did Plugge himself represent? Did the owner feel it was a bit funny that a scientist would be displayed along such lofty company? I want to know! Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn’t considered the possibility of it being a bit tongue-in-cheek. It almost feels like an elaborate inside joke! Curator: Exactly! And who’s to say our friend Plugge didn't have a sense of humor about it all himself? Art has the power to transform the mundane into the magical. To invite us into a moment, an insight. It makes one question everything. Editor: This definitely gives me a new appreciation for seemingly simple sketchbook entries! Curator: Yes! It just goes to show: never underestimate the power of visual conversation.