Embleem met allegorie op zangkunst 1681 - 1737

Curator: Here we have "Embleem met allegorie op zangkunst," which translates to Emblem with allegory of singing, a print made sometime between 1681 and 1737, and attributed to François van Bleyswijck. The piece is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: The first impression for me is almost theatrical, Curator. There's something about the woman draped in classical garb holding what appears to be a baton or perhaps a quill in her right hand...It strikes me as grand, posed even. Curator: Precisely. That’s what baroque allegory does so well. This is image is steeped in symbolic references of musical practice within a socio-religious framework, very typical of its time. You have classical figures set amidst idealized landscapes, all promoting the ennobling quality of music. Editor: Ah yes, now I see that she carries a lyre in her left hand. Can you tell me more about that specific instrument and its connection with song? Curator: The lyre functions as an obvious nod to the art of music, or "zangkunst". Its association with Apollo, god of music and poetry, links singing to divine inspiration and elevates the very act to a sacred calling. Then there’s also the cherubic figure who is presenting what seems to be musical score... Editor: An open score in his hand, almost like a gesture of presentation! And how fascinating that to the right of our central figure, we see what appears to be people in boats. Are they listening, contributing? Curator: Possibly, it could be symbolic of the ripple effect music has when made by way of its ennobling quality. Note, the tempestuous waves on one side juxtaposed with calmer waters to the other is indicative of this very change or transition. Editor: The turbulent becoming placid under the sway of zangkunst! Overall the picture sings of order emerging from chaos through the harmonious power of music, or singing, if you will. Curator: Absolutely. The print really illustrates how art of the period operated, the nexus of visual messaging interwoven with song, and philosophical ideal, really driving home a unified cultural message. It really illustrates that for many, sacred or otherwise, musical composition was akin to acts of nation building.