Portret van Moritz Hieronymus Lochner 1739

Curator: This engraving from 1739 by Johann Christoph Vogel is entitled "Portret van Moritz Hieronymus Lochner." It’s a striking depiction of a man, presumably Lochner himself, rendered in the Baroque style. Editor: My first impression is one of somber elegance. The monochrome tones and precise lines of the engraving give it a real sense of dignity, even severity. You can almost feel the texture of his heavy cloak. Curator: Absolutely. As a clergyman, Lochner would have been a figure of considerable social standing in his community. Vogel's portrait serves to reinforce that status, presenting him as learned and pious. Note the careful inscription that highlights his service. Editor: And it's interesting how Vogel uses engraving techniques to suggest different materials. The sheen on his robe contrasts beautifully with the matte paper, it directs the eye to the importance of presentation, suggesting societal norms for clergy at the time. What book is he holding? Curator: Presumably a book of scripture, signifying his religious role, it served to showcase literacy and piety among prominent clergymen, reflecting values embraced by religious institutions of that era. It’s as much a prop as it is an indicator of personal faith, it tells you about who this man had to appear as, publicly. Editor: That really shifts how I view the portrait. Initially, I focused on the aesthetic elements. Now, thinking about it in terms of how Vogel, as the engraver, used different materials and representational tools, like religious symbolism, as forms of communication for this individual. Curator: Precisely, that is the intention! These portraits, and particularly printed iterations thereof, served an important function in disseminating images of power and piety but the act of engraving also holds value, the skilled engraver elevated to the social status associated with that skill. Editor: I didn't expect to find so much socio-economic context woven into the threads of this seemingly simple engraving. Seeing it as a multi-layered piece adds depth and complexity. Curator: Exactly! There is always something new to be uncovered when we start questioning an artwork’s history, and not only its appearance.