De serenade 1894 - 1959

This print, "De serenade", probably made as a newspaper comic strip, by Monogrammist G.J., presents a series of amusing events which befall an unfortunate musician. The artwork is divided into twelve frames, each one a small vignette, and the artist uses a limited range of colors. The simple palette reinforces the sense of a story unfolding step by step; a narrative captured with swift strokes. Take a look at the image where the musician is climbing up to the balcony. It has such movement, such charm. The artist’s line here captures the essence of the figure's effort, and the comic quality of the image. The whole thing reminds me a little of William Hogarth, another artist who used sequences to tell stories, and I think both artists demonstrate the power of art to be accessible and engaging. I like art that embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations over fixed or definitive meanings.