Studie af klassisk vægdekoration. Farveangivelse 1900 - 1905

Editor: This is a fascinating sketch – “Studie af klassisk vægdekoration. Farveangivelse,” or “Study of classical wall decoration. Colour indication” created by Niels Larsen Stevns sometime between 1900 and 1905. The artist used coloured pencil and watercolour on paper. I’m immediately drawn to these whimsical, winged creatures and how they're framed within such a geometric design. It feels both ancient and a little fantastical. What catches your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: You know, it tickles my brain in the best way! I love that phrase, "colour indication"—almost like a recipe for a dream. I get lost in those muted greens and reds – a sophisticated, almost melancholy palette. Do you notice how the symmetry almost isn’t? One creature faces one way and the other, the opposite way. Editor: Yes! The framing of the art piece looks more "organized", but I agree there is a "whimsical" vibe to the mythical creatures with slight color changes. Curator: Right! Now think of Art Nouveau. There is some tension between ornamentation and structure. How it uses a classical vocabulary to decorate a modern world that was falling apart at the seams. It is as if, perhaps, Larsen Stevns felt a need to adorn ruins as beautiful and fragile as his own heart? Does it say something of our present, you wonder? Editor: Oh, I love that interpretation! I hadn’t considered the socio-political aspect of it at all. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! It’s amazing how a simple colour study can unlock such complex ideas. Don't you think? Editor: Definitely gives me a fresh way to view things. Thanks again!