Kalenderblad juli met apen 1905

Curator: Looking at the 'Kalenderblad juli met apen' by Theo van Hoytema from 1905, what are your initial thoughts? It's currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. The work is a print featuring watercolor illustration in that distinct Art Nouveau style of the era. Editor: It feels...melancholy? Those monkeys have a human-like stillness, especially the one staring directly ahead. It's more than just illustration; there’s an unexpected depth there. It's interesting that the calendar grid feels secondary to this primate scene. Curator: Hoytema was quite the social critic. He produced these calendar sheets annually, often using animal imagery to critique societal norms. The choice of monkeys could represent the imitative, sometimes mindless aspects of human behavior he observed. Art Nouveau and Symbolism intertwine here. Editor: So, the monkeys aren't just being cute. They’re stand-ins, little reflections staring back at us. I wonder about his process. The texture gives it such an immediate feel; almost as though the monkeys emerged organically from the watercolor itself. And the muted greens… almost oppressive? Curator: Consider the institutional role of the calendar too. It’s a functional object, placed within the home. By using animal figures to critique bourgeois society, Hoytema inserted social commentary into everyday life, challenging conventions and sparking thought outside of a museum setting. Editor: Absolutely! A silent rebellion displayed month by month, almost like a visual manifesto quietly ticking on the wall. It challenges how people consider the natural world, morality and societal progress through subtle irony. Curator: Indeed, his artistic strategy gave this printed calendar power. It moved art into a conversational space, blurring boundaries. Editor: Well, this monkey business has given me a lot to ponder! Thanks for shedding light on Theo's layered narrative within something as simple as a calendar sheet. Curator: It's rewarding to bring new insights to pieces such as this, even after all these years. These calendar sheets demonstrate art's ability to penetrate beyond galleries, shaping viewpoints subtly, yet profoundly.