Appear, flickering fire, encircle the rock with thy flame! 1910

Curator: Arthur Rackham's watercolour illustration, created in 1910, bears the dramatic title "Appear, flickering fire, encircle the rock with thy flame!" Editor: It's striking! The dynamic figures amidst those fiery tendrils and deep earth tones immediately conjure a feeling of mythic, primordial power—like the dawn of a new era emerging. Curator: Indeed, and it speaks to Rackham's interest in Germanic and Nordic mythology. The characters depicted here seem almost like archetypes – perhaps figures from Wagnerian opera or old Norse sagas. See how the flames swirl around them, embodying the raw energy of creation or destruction. What is especially important is to notice the nude central figure as that symbolises freedom and the body in its natural state which at that point would have carried heavy weight. Editor: Absolutely, and framing it as narrative art provides insight into how visual imagery and story-telling are intertwined. But more than just characters and mythology, it’s important to look into what this artwork meant politically at the time and what the symbols are carrying as well. Given that the themes touch upon liberty, who does it extend to? Curator: Ah, the core of symbolism often prompts crucial discussions around freedom and social standing. Rackham certainly captured a moment charged with potentiality. Observe the careful arrangement; the lighting pulls the viewer’s eye toward this central figure who may act as an icon of the people rising to fight for their liberty. Editor: The stark contrast and that subtle gesture… almost like a call to action. The fact that he is facing up shows us who or what his main drive is. We need more conversation in today's setting of what it means to use classical narrative art forms with these contemporary themes as people struggle for freedoms around the world. Curator: Precisely, it’s the capacity for cultural memory – how art reminds us of what came before but equally urges reflection on who holds power, freedom, and potential futures. Editor: An intriguing dive into the potent symbolism of the time! I am more informed than before about narrative artwork in general and its significance to contemporary life and struggles for equality.