Portret van Marten Soolmans 1841 - 1879

Editor: Here we have "Portret van Marten Soolmans," an engraving made sometime between 1841 and 1879, based on an image by Léopold Flameng. There's such an air of self-importance around this figure, almost as if he knows he's being watched. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, if I were Marten Soolmans in this print, I’d feel pretty important too! Flameng captures a real sense of baroque swagger. It reminds me of stepping into a time machine, doesn’t it? I immediately feel the texture of that ruff, hear the echoes of laughter in some grand hall... Does that make sense? Editor: Totally! It's so grand. But how much of that is Flameng, and how much is the original portrait shining through? Curator: Ah, the eternal question of translation! Flameng’s job isn’t to disappear, it's to channel that Baroque energy. It's a conversation across centuries! Do you think he succeeds? Editor: Definitely! It really captures the essence. It's making me want to learn more about the subject now. Curator: That's the power of a great portrait, right? Not just to show a face, but to spark a whole story. Almost as if the ink on the page comes alive. Editor: So true. It's amazing how much personality can be conveyed through engraving. It has made me see how artists and printmakers really collaborate across time! Curator: Absolutely! Each line is a loving act of interpretation. What a delightful thing! It really reminds you to slow down and consider it all.