La princesse aérienne / De luchtprinses 1833 - 1911

Curator: Here we have "La princesse aérienne / De luchtprinses" from Brepols & Dierckx zoon, a comic strip, believed to originate somewhere between 1833 and 1911, rendered in print. It's quite a captivating piece. Editor: My first impression is pure fairytale whimsy! The layout as a series of sequential panels, each filled with charming, almost naive figures… it evokes childhood storybooks. It's lovely! Curator: It's interesting how this comic format reflects the popular media of its time. Printed stories were becoming increasingly accessible. Visual narratives democratizing storytelling, in a way. How do you see its themes playing into the cultural narratives of the period? Editor: The dragon imagery immediately catches my eye. It is the embodiment of ancient power. Think of the dragon's breath: a destructive force but also symbolic of transformation and even enlightenment in some traditions. And look at how that particular dragon carries the knight's shield on its back! Almost like a willing partner to the royal family. Curator: Good point, yes. The shield could definitely be connected to heritage, loyalty and promise to defend the king’s land. What do you make of the narrative flow, given your eye for iconographic details? Editor: The narrative appears fairly straightforward, from princess, to threat, to heroic encounter and reconciliation. A classic story arc reflected in almost all human storytelling across the globe. I feel that these themes still speak powerfully today, even outside of their original social and cultural context. It's a light, feel-good series of illustrations to lighten any mood. Curator: Exactly, a narrative deeply entrenched in the collective unconscious. It would have been such a popular means of communicating the popular sentiments and familiar narratives of the time! Editor: Indeed! Analyzing artwork as the "La princesse aérienne" deepens our engagement with narrative as timeless cross-cultural phenomena and highlights how archetypes of power, loyalty, and even good storytelling are continually refreshed for our benefit. Curator: Absolutely. And considering its place within the context of popular printed media allows us to appreciate the societal forces influencing its production and the role it plays in cultural dissemination.