Simsons moeder 1588 - 1595

Editor: So here we have “Simson’s Mother” by Jan Collaert, made sometime between 1588 and 1595. It’s an etching, engraving, a pen sketch, all captured in a print. I find it really compelling - there’s something so powerful and still about her figure against this backdrop of swirling action. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: It whispers tales of the uncanny, doesn’t it? This isn’t just an image; it’s a portal, or a dream sequence, where solemnity and divinity clash. Collaert's Mannerist style heightens this, with its emphasis on stylized figures and emotional intensity. The background, brimming with ethereal elements— an angel emerging from flames— contrasts strikingly with the contained, almost melancholic, figure of Simson’s mother. It reminds me of how our inner worlds often play out against the dramatic stage of life itself. Does that resonate with you? Editor: Yes, absolutely! That contrast really hits home. The inner versus outer experience... Curator: Exactly! And Collaert beautifully captures that. Her contemplative posture seems to invite us into a shared moment of reflection. This wasn't just an illustration; it was Collaert inviting viewers to meditate on fate, divine intervention, and the quiet strength within the storm. What is she feeling, do you imagine? Editor: Knowing the story, a mix of trepidation and maybe even disbelief? It makes the divine moment more human somehow. Curator: Precisely, a poignant blend of human emotion intertwined with celestial spectacle, which amplifies its eternal relevance. I think that is Collaert's genius, bringing a timeless humanity into biblical stories. Editor: I've certainly learned to look past the story and feel the emotions, thank you!