Faun med en håndmaske, der forfølges af en kvinde 1760

Hans Quist created this engraving, now at the SMK, depicting a faun with a hand mask pursued by a woman. The faun, a symbol of untamed nature and primal instincts, is a recurring figure in art, embodying the intoxicating dance between civilization and the wild. Here, the mask complicates the narrative. The mask itself has been a powerful symbol throughout history, used in rituals, theatre, and disguise. While concealing the wearer, it also serves as a form of expression, allowing the wearer to embody another persona. Consider how, across cultures, masks have been used to connect with the spirit world, evoke fear, or entertain. This act of masking and unmasking is a primal, almost instinctual act. Think of the Dionysian festivals of ancient Greece, or the masked figures in commedia dell'arte. This image engages us on a subconscious level, touching on themes of identity, illusion, and the eternal struggle between our inner selves and the roles we play. It evokes a sense of intrigue, inviting us to ponder the layers of meaning hidden beneath the surface.