De ooren van den haas 1876 - 1890

Curator: This watercolor illustration is entitled "De ooren van den haas," which translates to "The ears of the hare," and was created between 1876 and 1890. Editor: It's quite evocative! The soft palette and the moon give it an almost dreamlike quality. The hare, especially with its long, looming shadow, creates a feeling of unease. Curator: The piece certainly plays on contrasts. It reminds me of how marginalized figures are often hyper-visible and simultaneously unseen, judged for aspects of their identity they cannot control, much like the hare with its prominent ears. Editor: That's a fascinating interpretation! I was immediately drawn to the interplay of light and shadow and how it affects the composition. The hare is so clearly defined, but its shadow is distorted, stretched, and almost menacing. Curator: Exactly. It seems significant that a text is displayed. Likely related to La Fontaine's fable, known for animal characters embodying social commentary. I think there's commentary on the stories we tell ourselves, how the powerful control the narrative. Editor: True. Semiotically, we see nature here that signals wildness and perhaps even something untamed about instinct, viscerality, the animal self, the part that exceeds logic. Curator: Also consider how landscape art, a very "European" form, can be read as a visual claim to space. Placing the hare so prominently raises questions of who truly belongs. Editor: This close reading of social structure, with all the tensions between its elements—moon, hare, text—offers such depth! I admire your historical placement of it! Curator: Likewise, your insightful discussion of composition adds layers of nuance that tie in so wonderfully. Editor: I agree—this has brought me a new appreciation for a compelling, unsettling illustration.