Puss in Boots 

Editor: This is Moritz von Schwind's "Puss in Boots," done with ink on paper sometime in the 19th century. It's a silhouette, and the darkness gives it such a stark, bold presence. What do you see in this piece beyond the surface story? Curator: Beyond the fairy tale, the stark silhouette speaks volumes about power dynamics. Think about the tale itself: a cat, an animal traditionally seen as subservient, using cunning to manipulate social structures and ultimately gain power for its master. Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn’t thought of it that way. So, you're saying the image itself reinforces that idea of manipulating darkness to achieve dominance? Curator: Precisely. And consider the historical context of folk tales: they often serve as vehicles for subversive narratives, particularly among marginalized communities. The darkness of the ink could represent the hidden, unspoken truths about social inequality, perhaps veiled criticisms of aristocracy embedded within a seemingly innocent children's story. How do you view the prey animals he's holding? Does that inform our interpretation? Editor: They seem to reinforce his... success. Like trophies almost, showing the result of this manipulation. Are you suggesting that folk art is inherently political? Curator: I'd argue it possesses a political dimension. Even seemingly innocuous tales can reflect and challenge prevailing power structures. "Puss in Boots" isn't just a cute story; it's a reflection of social mobility, class aspiration, and the inherent inequalities of the world it was created in. It pushes us to interrogate how power operates, often invisibly. Editor: I see now, it's far more complex than I initially thought. Curator: Exactly, and by delving into its historical and social contexts, the piece invites a deeper dialogue that considers class, identity, and resistance. I find this piece so much richer now.