Illustratie voor de Decamerone van Boccaccio 1697

Curator: Romeyn de Hooghe created this engraving in 1697, titling it "Illustration for Boccaccio's Decameron". It's part of the Rijksmuseum collection. The Baroque influence is clear. It’s amazing to observe his capacity with just the engraving tools to translate that vivid story. What's your first take? Editor: It feels a bit like walking into the middle of a rowdy party, or maybe a staged drama. The expressions are so heightened. And the bars in the background, there are lots of visual queues suggesting some kind of constraint, emotional if not necessarily physical. Curator: Indeed! Given the title, the image definitely seems pulled straight from one of Boccaccio’s tales. De Hooghe perfectly captures that mix of wit and sharp social commentary. It almost feels like theatre, everyone has such clear body language. Editor: It's interesting, isn't it, how those expressive gestures carry weight. It does recall Baroque theatrics! I wonder, do the clothes communicate particular social positions or the symbolism behind those characters attitudes to you? It is curious how that bishop dressed is grabbing that central character that seems so scared or unwell. Curator: I do believe the characters clothes and actions are related to their respective social standing; look at that fallen mitre lying down the floor, so helpless next to its owner cape. De Hooghe often used costume and objects in a similar manner. It's amazing to reflect how stories adapt over time. He saw the past, interpreted the present, and created lasting meaning for his audiences to engage in and find meaning with those pieces. Editor: It almost makes you think of history painting. De Hooghe manages to tell an entire tale in a single image using a single tone to create an entire setting. One could get easily lost into deconstructing those narratives within narratives. Curator: Absolutely. Narrative is indeed front and center. De Hooghe really brings a wealth of stories together in the present and that seems relevant still, after all this time. I love those lines, creating a new world so simple as intricate! Editor: For me, it sparks a reflection of those stories and how art holds our attention to this past realities, with all of its drama! It invites deep contemplation.