Avond en nacht 1766 - 1788

Johann Esaias Nilson created this print, "Avond en nacht" at an unknown date using etching. The work presents two vignettes, each neatly framed, which encourages us to compare and contrast their compositions. The upper scene, "Le Soir," uses light and airy lines to depict a tranquil evening. The figures are arranged to suggest a moment of serene interaction, underscored by the gentle curves of the ornamental frame. In contrast, "La Nuit" employs darker, denser lines, creating a sense of mystery and perhaps unease. The figures are more dynamic, their gestures more urgent, mirroring the perceived dangers of the night. Each scene is contained within an elaborate border, decorated with foliage. This serves not only to isolate each moment in time, but also to frame a binary of light and dark. The composition invites us to consider the dualities inherent in human experience, the delicate balance between order and chaos, clarity and obscurity.