Portret van Leander van Ess 1803 - 1841

Curator: Editor: So, here we have a portrait of Leander van Ess, sometime between 1803 and 1841, engraved by Martin Esslinger. It feels rather…stiff. Almost severe, wouldn’t you say? What jumps out at you when you look at it? Curator: Ah, yes, “stiff” captures a certain stoicism quite perfectly. He seems a man out of time, doesn't he? I’m struck by the sheer discipline of the engraving itself. Notice the dense network of fine lines. It’s almost…scientific, wouldn’t you agree? You could say he’s wearing his intellect like armor. Tell me, do you sense any vulnerability beneath that stern gaze? Editor: I see what you mean about the detail – the engraver's precision definitely lends it an almost clinical air. I hadn't really considered whether his expression might mask some sort of…inner turmoil. Perhaps a slight weariness in his eyes? Do you think that reading of emotion into this portrait is justified, or is that simply wishful thinking on my part? Curator: “Wishful thinking” can often be insightful seeing that as a lens through which we meet the world. Maybe the better question is what that expression evokes for you. Doesn’t this portrait reveal something interesting, beyond what we read from books and what we're being taught by art? Editor: You're right; it made me realize that even seemingly straightforward portraits can have layers of hidden emotions waiting to be uncovered, if only we look closely enough. Curator: Precisely. Perhaps all we really see is our own reflections cast onto art.