Janus opening the door of the year 17th-18th century

Curator: This print is entitled Janus opening the door of the year, created by Robert van Auden-Aerd. Editor: My first impression is one of buoyant lightness, despite the somewhat somber sepia tones. The composition, with its swirling figures and open doorway, feels airy and optimistic. Curator: The figure of Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, is central here. It’s important to remember that Janus was often depicted with two faces, looking simultaneously to the past and the future. Editor: The keys he holds are beautifully rendered, almost gleaming despite the print's muted palette. The artist’s use of line is exquisite; observe how he creates depth and volume through hatching and cross-hatching. Curator: Janus's presence, flanked by celestial figures, speaks to the cyclical nature of time and the hope inherent in each new year, yet also reflects the patriarchal underpinnings of the era. Editor: And yet, the fluidity of the forms, the movement implied, transcends a purely symbolic reading. It invites us to contemplate the ephemeral quality of time itself. Curator: An interesting take. It’s a visual poem about the shifting landscape of time, and our place within its currents. Editor: Indeed, a captivating study in form and symbolic potential.