Cover designs for "Ulenspiegel au Salon" 1850 - 1900

Curator: Look closely at these cover designs for "Ulenspiegel au Salon," dating from the late 19th century. The artist is Felicien Rops, and they’re graphite drawings, essentially sketches, meant for a print publication. Editor: My first impression is that there’s an intentional clash happening between high and low culture here, but it’s so chaotic. You’ve got the rough sketch style meeting what looks like social commentary? It's definitely provocative. Curator: Exactly! Rops was deeply entrenched in the Symbolist movement. His work frequently explores themes of satire and societal critique, wrapped in layers of allegorical imagery. The “Ulenspiegel” references point to a figure known for mocking societal norms, a perfect fit. Look at the juxtaposition of the triumphant, almost militaristic figure, with elements suggesting folly and collapse. Editor: The material speaks to that, too, doesn't it? The fleeting, ephemeral nature of graphite sketch implies a rapid creation, perhaps mirroring the quickly shifting and absurd landscape of the salon itself and the world that created it. Were these actually used as book covers, though? Curator: Probably not, these look more like preliminary concepts. Rops would explore certain images which may not appear in the final prints. What’s so fascinating is the interplay between the immediate sketch, this tangible, handmade quality, and the mass-producible print that it anticipates. This adds to the complexity of the original’s themes of artifice, performance, and superficiality. Editor: The sketches feel more authentic, less manufactured than the printed form. One is more honest about process. Look closely; it's amazing the kind of layered details and textures he can coax with this basic material! Curator: He's really using the language of graphic design to layer those meanings, playing with the cultural associations embedded in symbolism. Even the sketchiness, it contributes to this atmosphere of unveiling. Editor: The rough, quick nature of the sketches lays bare the artificiality of these so called elite salons and elite people. Curator: Yes. A revealing peek, facilitated by materials and technique. Editor: And there we find social critique made material! Thanks, Rops, and thanks for sharing your insight!