Astronomische studie 1792

Editor: Here we have Jan Brandes' "Astronomische studie," an astronomical study made with pencil on paper in 1792. It has the distinct feel of a scientific calculation...almost cold in its precision. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The radiating sun at the apex immediately evokes enlightenment and reason, prevalent during the late 18th century. Lines intersect, forming structured geometric shapes, which create an almost mystical understanding of the cosmos and recall astronomical charts that aim to find order in seeming chaos. Don’t you find that there is also a sense of the sacred contained within those very intentional strokes and shapes? Editor: Sacred in what sense? Is that a contrast to the scientific accuracy, or is there some overlap? Curator: Absolutely overlap. The Age of Reason didn't erase spiritual yearning, but rather attempted to align faith and rational thought. Visual representations of astronomy, like this, bridged both worlds; a symbol of mankind seeking answers to existence. Note also how light emanating from the ‘sun’ at the top echoes earlier artistic renderings of the all-seeing eye – representing both divine presence and pursuit of knowledge. Do you find that link interesting here? Editor: Yes, I hadn’t quite noticed the all-seeing eye parallel… Now I see both enlightenment and something spiritual. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: It showcases how older cultural memories continue in newer forms. Seeing those links, however subtle, adds such dimension to a piece! Editor: I will look at this period of art through the lens of continuity of meaning now. Thank you.