Portret van Sigismund Finkelthaus 1657 - 1720

Curator: Here we have a piece identified as "Portret van Sigismund Finkelthaus," believed to have been created sometime between 1657 and 1720 by Johann Alexander Böner. It’s an engraving. Editor: Wow, an engraving, look at the meticulous detail. It looks incredibly formal and a bit severe, wouldn't you say? All those lines make him seem rather… official. Curator: Indeed. The portrait adheres to many conventions typical of the Baroque period. Böner captured not only Finkelthaus’ likeness, but also aspects of his status and learning. Finkelthaus appears to have been a celebrated Jurist and Counselor. Editor: Celebrated Jurist, huh? His stern expression seems to agree! But there's also something fragile about it. The toned paper gives it this lovely, ancient feel. Almost like handling a whisper from the past. I wonder, what was he really like? Curator: As with many portraits from this era, its existence as a print suggests the significance placed on his position within a very specific social and political environment. This image was created not just for aesthetic reasons, but also to reinforce and disseminate his image. The text engraved along the lower portion of the print identifies Finkelthaus with great specificity. Editor: So it’s more about the role than the man, almost like a carefully crafted public persona... like politicians these days with their carefully designed optics. Though this is slightly less 'digital', slightly more 'eternal', if that makes sense. I still wonder about the fleeting moments the engraving couldn't capture... Curator: Absolutely, and understanding that interplay, between representation and the lived reality, is key to engaging with works like this. We find it here in the Rijksmuseum now, contextualized by time and circumstance. Editor: It's amazing how an object so precise can spark so many fuzzy questions! The contrast of cold and warm is perfect. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. A privilege to have this time considering such complex work with you.