Vignet 1748

Curator: We’re looking at Jonas Haas’s “Vignet,” an engraving dating from 1748, residing here at the SMK. Editor: Oh, my! The detail in this tiny print is breathtaking. It feels both classical and slightly wild, like a fever dream in miniature. Curator: Exactly. It showcases a landscape populated with mythological figures: Hermes seems to be leaping into the scene on the left, Apollo sits serenely under a tree in the center, and a muse stands beside him. It’s a rather idyllic, staged vision, almost theatrical. Editor: Right, look at that Baroque frame surrounding it all. All that intricate ornamentation! I’m immediately drawn to how the artist made use of lines to define form and texture. This print demanded specialized knowledge and skillful handling of the metal plate to allow such detail, think about all those little incisions and careful acid etching! I also wonder about how such small works become diffused at that time. Curator: The medium itself is central to its purpose. As a print, it’s inherently reproducible, made for wider distribution. "Vignet" suggests it was perhaps meant for insertion into a book, making art accessible to a wider audience than a painting hanging in a palace. What about how the engraving style fits the era? Editor: Absolutely! Think of the political instability. Haas gives us a romantic escape—classical themes provide stability within swirling baroque drama. It reflects a desire for order, even as the world outside felt chaotic. Curator: It is intriguing how the artist contrasts Hermes’s frantic energy with Apollo’s calm demeanor. He appears rooted, confident. Perhaps it reflects the era’s desire to balance intellect with intuition. The overall image feels surprisingly peaceful. Editor: For me, it evokes not only tranquility but also contemplation about art-making, especially in the face of significant changes during Haas’s era. The way we engage with it as viewers has dramatically changed as well, now that we are considering its digital image on our smartphones. Curator: Perhaps “Vignet” reminds us that every work, however small, holds layers of meaning waiting to be uncovered. The artist’s perspective combined with your eye to craft, reminds us there's an abundance of interpretation to engage with.