Sater bij een wijnglas 1878 - 1924

Curator: Julie de Graag’s work, "Satyr with Wine Glass", dates to somewhere between 1878 and 1924. It’s an ink drawing, currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Wow, that's a deceptively simple image, isn't it? Just a tiny satyr seemingly examining, or maybe struggling with, a rather large wine glass. The negative space around them is so vast. It gives him such an isolated feel, a mischievous imp in a void of expectation. Curator: It speaks to the symbolism associated with the satyr. Satyrs were figures of the margins in classical art, connected with revelry, excess, and untamed nature. They embodied an alternative set of values to classical reason. That de Graag has chosen the form of a pen-ink sketch amplifies the transgressive nature, in a visual style less precious and refined. Editor: He almost looks unsure, as if this refined vessel is an object that does not belong to his sphere. Is this about civilization and instinct, perhaps? His pose is really intriguing as well; so bent forward. Is he inspecting the glass or desperately holding on to it for support? Perhaps he imbibed a bit too much already? Curator: A lovely thought! One might interpret it that way. The diminutive satyr almost feels overpowered by the symbol of 'civilized' indulgence. It speaks of how cultural practices of even pleasure and entertainment are intertwined with power dynamics, or perceived boundaries of refinement and transgression. Editor: It makes you think about how things are never straightforward, how joy and rebellion always bring complex implications, and what at first appeared a simple drawing brings up layers of introspection and reflection. Well spotted! Curator: Thank you! I, for one, am very pleased to have stumbled across such a profound image by Julie de Graag today. Editor: Yes, this sketch leaves me wanting to embrace more impish introspection!