Surprise c. 16th century

Curator: There's a kind of startled drama to this print, "Surprise," by Ugo da Carpi. The figure seems caught in a moment, almost mid-gesture. Editor: It’s like stumbling upon someone in their private reverie, isn't it? There’s an emotional nakedness despite the draped clothing. Curator: Da Carpi, who lived from 1480 to 1532, was quite innovative with the chiaroscuro woodcut, using multiple blocks to create tonal effects. It was his way of recreating drawings. Editor: The etching is interesting too, with the man stepping onto a stage of some kind. His hair looks like it’s also about to lift off his head! Curator: Yes, the theatricality of the scene is palpable. The very notion of “surprise” seems to be about revealing something that was previously hidden. Editor: And perhaps Da Carpi surprises us with his artistry, in the way he plays with light and shadow, revealing the beauty in the unexpected. Curator: Indeed, and maybe we, in turn, are surprised by our own emotional response to this image, centuries later.