Amor en Psyche naar Antonio Canova 1860 - 1890

Editor: So this is an albumen print from the Rijksmuseum, "Amor en Psyche naar Antonio Canova," made sometime between 1860 and 1890. It's a photo of a sculpture, capturing a really intimate moment. I find it very dreamlike and melancholic, almost a longing captured in monochrome. What stands out to you the most? Curator: Dreamlike, yes, that’s a good word for it. It’s like a whispered secret frozen in time. You know, Canova, even though this is just a photo *of* his work, he was the master of capturing fleeting emotion in solid marble. I wonder if this photographer was trying to do something similar with this new medium. Notice how the light catches Psyche’s face as Amor leans in. Does it remind you of anything? A lover's embrace, a last goodbye? Editor: It does feel very tender, very personal. And that light is gorgeous, like a spotlight on their connection. Was it common to photograph sculptures like this back then? Curator: Absolutely. Photography gave wider access to famous sculptures like this, made them more… democratic, you might say. Suddenly, you didn't need to travel to Italy to marvel at Canova's genius. But I think it was also a way for photographers to flex their artistic muscles – to reinterpret classical art through a modern lens. Kind of like a cover song, you know? Editor: A cover song for sculpture! I love that. So, it's not just a copy, but an interpretation? Curator: Exactly. And consider what photography was exploring back then - capturing truth, the human condition... Taking a picture of 'perfect' Neoclassical sculpture almost feels like saying something about what love and beauty really mean, don't you think? It makes me ponder the enduring power of those classical themes. Editor: It's fascinating how one artwork can speak through another, creating a conversation across time. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It always makes me look at the art with a fresh pair of eyes when you look at it in that manner.