Bruno als overwinnaar van het steekspel 1857

Editor: So, this is Johan Bernhard Wittkamp’s “Bruno as victor of the tournament”, created in 1857 using etching, drawing, and print techniques. It’s incredibly detailed for what looks like a smaller piece. It has this dramatic, romantic feel— a knight kneeling before a queen, everyone gathered around…almost like a stage play. What's your take on this? Curator: Oh, absolutely, it’s like peering into a dream spun from history and longing! I’m instantly drawn to the romantic vision that Wittkamp has cast upon the past. History isn’t just facts and dates here, it’s a delicious drama unfolding. Look how he renders each character with such palpable emotion; that's pure romanticism, baby! It makes me wonder, doesn’t it, about the stories we tell ourselves about power, chivalry, and what it means to "win"? Editor: That's an interesting perspective. I hadn't thought of the narrative element so much. Is there some social commentary woven into it? Curator: Social commentary… hmmm. Wittkamp might gently be poking fun at the idealized notions of courtly love, but with a fondness, right? He definitely romanticizes that knightly behavior. More like a loving wink to the past, like a grandpa telling a slightly embellished story. Editor: It almost feels staged, which brings it back to performance. Curator: Indeed! The composition creates an entire *mood*, transporting you. Can’t you almost hear the trumpets and feel the weight of that knight’s armor? Editor: I think I am now. I came for the picture, but I’m staying for the story. Curator: Exactly! Art is about connections. Images are stories, you see! We bring our feelings and thoughts, and make new stories. What a delight!