"Kiøbenhavns Skilderie", nr. 2 1785 - 1788

Curator: Here we have "Kiøbenhavns Skilderie", nr. 2 by J.F. Clemens, an etching dating from around 1785-1788. The image is rather dreamlike in how it represents a shadow play performance. What stands out to you first? Editor: Immediately, it's the stark contrast—the focused spotlight effect isolates the action. A tale within a tale! There’s a delightful sense of whimsy undercut by the sharp realism of the man operating the projector. Curator: Indeed! The whole composition has a performative feel; look how the main actor appears so devoted, while we, the viewers, become doubly voyeuristic. The symbolism of light and shadow feels prevalent, as it reveals truths while simultaneously obscuring them. Editor: Precisely! The shadow puppets evoke folklore—a shared cultural memory re-enacted. Notice the costuming; a caricature of traditional garments perhaps, highlighting a specific social critique or a popular story of that era? The arrow being readied to fire is a great focal point. Curator: Good catch! The narrative itself is shrouded; our task, as observers, is to reconstruct meaning from visual clues. Also note how Clemens masterfully plays with scale; the diminutive size of the stage performance intensifies the grand effect it must have on the viewer! Editor: Scale is so key. It makes you think about perspective, illusion and also the real power of storytelling. The little lamp is creating this world—the image itself becomes a commentary on the human desire for stories and spectacle. And also this sense of wonder and control. Curator: And how even the simplest of tools, a lamp and shadow puppets, can transport us to other worlds, reminding us of the magic embedded within our history, traditions, and, well, simple visual pleasure. Editor: Absolutely. Clemens here speaks to a basic, enduring impulse: we want to be moved by stories, and we have always found ingenious ways to bring those narratives to life, even with just silhouettes on a wall.