Illustration til Holbergs Komedier 1813 - 1817

Curator: This etching, "Illustration til Holbergs Komedier," was created by Georg Haas between 1813 and 1817. The print is currently held here at the SMK. Editor: It's a bustling scene. The cramped space really emphasizes the chaos, almost like a stage set ready to burst. I wonder what play this illustrates? Curator: Indeed! The image depicts a scene from the comedies of Ludvig Holberg, a prominent Dano-Norwegian playwright of the Enlightenment era. The chaotic interior, rendered in detail, shows characters engaged in some sort of altercation or comedic conflict, perhaps a commentary on class tensions within Holberg's satirical plays. The artist's careful rendering gives this illustration enduring resonance through time. Editor: Absolutely. Consider how gender is being portrayed here; a nearly nude woman is held behind the backs of fighting men. Are we seeing women being cast aside in political discussions and, in that historical era, not viewed as authorities? This rendering of "Holbergs Komedier" highlights that women in society at that time were objects or barriers. Curator: That's a fair reading. But is it simply "casting aside," or something more? Observe the postures—aren't they somewhat formulaic? And I'm thinking about the text below the image, a Danish proverb written there hints to readers that the 'matrone' is likely not 'honest.' The artist may use stereotypes common at the time to send a certain message to readers in alignment with societal conventions and, simultaneously, play with the audience. Editor: You're right, these figures definitely conform to stereotypes and this artistic decision says something powerful about its social milieu. Perhaps the print engages with those expectations but doesn't necessarily endorse them. That's something we could discuss further! Curator: The work provides a remarkable example of art capturing culture and cultural understanding and nuance in image format, so this certainly gives audiences today so much to explore. Editor: Yes, indeed. The intersection of art, performance, and social commentary really invites continued dialogue.