Sint Nikolaas / Saint Nicolas 1833 - 1911

Curator: I see a fascinating matrix of sequential imagery! What is it? Editor: This graphic work is called "Sint Nikolaas / Saint Nicolas," produced between 1833 and 1911 by Brepols & Dierckx. It's an engraving currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Curator: There’s something incredibly old-world and charmingly quaint about it. Each panel feels like a vignette from a storybook, doesn’t it? Nostalgic... almost comforting. Editor: Yes, each rectangle operates as a frame that provides an instance of temporality and, as a semiotic device, invites analysis of line quality, textual inclusions, tonal arrangement and sequencing. These compositional choices contribute to the comic strip format. Curator: It almost has the feel of an ancient storyboard. I am interested in its cultural intentions and the story it wants to tell about this very iconic person. Editor: Indeed, this offers cultural insight into how Saint Nicolas was perceived and celebrated during that period. The style references, from a formal perspective, earlier traditions in book illustration. Curator: Knowing how intertwined tradition and childhood fancies are, I am fascinated with how each square encapsulates little worlds, full of hope, generosity, and wonder! You get the feel of tiny windows into Saint Nicholas' magical errands and stories, or little tales to whisper right before dozing off. Editor: The work is indeed fascinating from the perspective of semiotics. I note how it juxtaposes linear images and text, asking the viewer to navigate reading strategies, and to interpret not only visually, but across languages, if necessary, due to the dual title in Dutch and English. Curator: Precisely. To really look into the convergence of imagery and textual components, it has unlocked stories and little bits and pieces of magic…it all makes one feel lighter and brighter! Editor: This careful arrangement definitely leaves me thinking about our exchange of thoughts!