Die Muse der Musik mit zwei Genien, deren einer eine Trompete trägt 

Editor: This is Simon Vouet's drawing, "Die Muse der Musik mit zwei Genien, deren einer eine Trompete tr\u00e4gt," it appears to be a study in pencil and chalk. There is an incredible sense of lightness about this, a dreamlike quality to the forms. What stands out to you when you look at this piece? Curator: The delicacy of Vouet’s line is remarkable, isn’t it? The ethereal quality, as you say, is partially due to the medium, the soft chalk and graphite almost floating on the page. I find myself wondering about the intention here. Is this preparatory? A meditation? Vouet seems to be gently coaxing the image into being. He suggests rather than defines the figures, allowing us to participate in the creative process. Almost as if he is inviting us to write the music itself, not just listen to it. Editor: That’s beautifully put! Do you think the circular format contributes to that sense of invitation? Curator: Absolutely. The circle softens the composition, creates a sense of wholeness, of infinity, perhaps? It invites the eye to wander and return. Think about looking at a musical score... it isn’t static, is it? The eye moves constantly, tracing lines, interpreting symbols. This drawing seems to operate on a similar principle. It asks for our active engagement, our own interpretation. It’s a whispering invitation to create! Editor: I hadn’t considered that parallel, but it makes so much sense. I am beginning to feel like I understand the art much more now. Curator: Indeed. It’s all about connection. Between the artist and the muse, between the image and the viewer. Thank you for inviting me to really "see" this drawing. Editor: The pleasure was mine!