Buste van Lucilla 1646 - 1670

Hubert Quellinus created this line engraving, "Buste van Lucilla," now housed at the Rijksmuseum. The print presents a study in contrasts, notably through the use of light and shadow to define the form and texture of the bust. The incisive lines delineate the contours of Lucilla's face and the drapery, lending a sculptural quality to the two-dimensional medium. The composition's strength lies in its stark simplicity. Quellinus emphasizes the classical lines of the bust, drawing our attention to the subject’s serene expression and the stylized curls of her hair. The inclusion of the grotesque head on the chest provides a stark contrast in style, which may allude to the complex interplay between beauty and the grotesque in classical art. Through the manipulation of line and form, Quellinus not only captures the likeness of Lucilla but also invokes broader themes of representation, idealization, and the enduring legacy of classical aesthetics. This engagement prompts a continuous re-evaluation of how we interpret historical symbols within contemporary contexts.