"U(lykkelige) H(ændelser)" Nr. 7 1787

Curator: Here we have "\"U(lykkelige) H(ændelser)\" Nr. 7," an etching on paper from 1787. It is currently held here at the SMK, Statens Museum for Kunst. Editor: Wow, a tall, precarious stairway to nowhere! It makes me think of a slightly terrifying children’s game, maybe “King of the Castle” with extra stakes. There’s a strangely playful, yet cautionary tone. Curator: Indeed, this piece presents an interesting take on societal hierarchies. The etching depicts a precarious staircase leading up to a structure, almost like a tower, and people are shown either climbing, falling from it, or having already fallen. The social critique here suggests the dangers and potential downfalls within structures of power and ambition. Editor: Falling from grace—ouch, literally. And what about the figures at the bottom? Some seem oblivious, while others, near a sign, look downright mournful. Is there some intended symbolic contrast at play? Curator: Precisely. The contrast could be interpreted in many ways. Consider who gets access to the stairway, who is falling, and who is at the bottom. Examining the visual narrative may encourage reflection upon class, access to opportunity, and the consequences of failure or success within the context of the late 18th century. The sign you mentioned could point to societal commentary relevant at that time, although some aspects remain obscure to us. Editor: There’s also a dark sense of humor here. Those cartoonish figures tumbling down with a sort of, "Oh well, guess this is my life now!" attitude. It's almost darkly slapstick, if such a thing could exist! Curator: That element is worth considering. Such levity, even when bordering on morbid humor, allowed for potent critique under the cover of satire. It can allow the viewer a space to consider painful realities under a safer, mediated guise. The artwork’s ambiguity also permits multiple interpretations. Editor: It is interesting that we still talk about such a precarious, cartoonish, dangerous ascent. It is a little troubling, in a funny way, how on point this piece still is after all this time. Curator: Exactly. "U(lykkelige) H(ændelser) Nr. 7" prompts us to question what price individuals may be willing to pay when pursuing societal ascension. And whether they will be cared for or mourned in case of their downfall. Editor: All I know is that I'm staying off that ladder. Thank you for these interesting insights!