Drie girandoles Possibly 1755 - 1759

Editor: So, here we have "Drie girandoles", or Three Sconces, made sometime between 1755 and 1759. It’s an engraving done in pen by William Austin, here at the Rijksmuseum. The immediate feeling I get is whimsy! The delicate linework creates these almost fantastical little worlds. What captures your attention? Curator: Whimsy is a brilliant word for it! For me, it’s the unexpected juxtaposition of the formal baroque structure with the playful, almost mischievous, details. Look closely - is that a tiny satyr clinging to one of the sconces? It feels like stepping into a dream, doesn't it? And the contrast, using just pen strokes, achieves so much! It dances on the edge of reality. Do you think Austin was intentionally playing with the established rules of design? Editor: That's a wonderful observation! I can't unsee that satyr now! And yes, definitely, that contrast feels deliberate. Given it's a design for sconces, what's the intent behind that subversion? Is it just about aesthetics, or is there something more profound being communicated? Curator: Perhaps he’s reminding us not to take ourselves, or our décor, too seriously. The Baroque, after all, was known for its opulence. Austin seems to be whispering, "Enjoy the beauty, but don't get lost in the gilded cage." You almost expect these sconces to come alive when the lights are low. I love how each is its own mini vignette! What does that mean in terms of cultural intent? Was he making a unique, almost democratic form, something outside the rigid, socially stratified structures of the period? Food for thought... Editor: Definitely! This has totally changed how I view decorative art. It's not just about looking pretty; there's wit, social commentary, even a touch of rebellious spirit hidden in the details. Curator: Precisely! It just reminds us to look beneath the surface and discover all the little things art wants to reveal. What a delicious discovery this has been!