Panelen met putti slapend en op wolken 1745

Editor: These are panels with putti sleeping on clouds, made around 1745 by Carl Albert von Lespilliez, an engraving over at the Rijksmuseum. The decorative, almost symmetrical arrangement, with these fantastical creatures... it’s captivating, but a bit overwhelming at first glance. What are we to make of all these figures? Curator: What strikes me most is how these seemingly lighthearted images are actually laden with symbols, reflecting a deep connection to classical mythology and Baroque aesthetics. Notice how the putti, often associated with innocence and love, are shown sleeping. Does that perhaps speak to a desire for rest, for peace, or even a commentary on the fleeting nature of innocence? Editor: So, it's not *just* decorative, even though it was designed for decoration? Curator: Exactly. Look closer at the decorative elements surrounding the putti. The swirling foliage, the theatrical frames – they echo the opulence and grandeur of the Baroque period. But they're not arbitrary, rather each component echoes its relationship to form. Editor: It feels like a very elaborate visual language. Are there any repeated motifs that carry particular significance? Curator: Consider the contrast between light and shadow, for example. These recurring motifs evoke a sense of drama. Remember, during the Baroque period, art was often used to evoke strong emotions and instill certain values. Do you see any possible narratives within? Editor: I guess so, the drama almost gives it some power, even within the softness of the putti. Curator: Precisely! It’s a clever balancing act between overt sentimentality and something far more psychologically engaging, all conveyed through very codified visual language. I’m so glad we looked at this work! Editor: Absolutely, seeing beyond just the decoration to uncover the deeper meaning makes this engraving so much more interesting!