I shall pluck the sun and leave a gap for tears. c. 20th century

Curator: Donald Handel's print, "I shall pluck the sun and leave a gap for tears," presents a compelling visual puzzle. What's your initial impression? Editor: It feels like a lament, a ritualistic dance between light and shadow rendered in meticulous detail, that also feels very unsettling. Curator: I agree. The composition, almost symmetrical, relies on intricate linework. Note the balance between geometric and organic forms. The patterned textures create a vibrant surface. Editor: The central figure, seemingly skeletal, yet adorned, evokes a powerful, contradictory symbolism. The sun, and that cage, are strong images of both freedom and captivity. Curator: Indeed. The title suggests a disruption of natural order, a deliberate act of destruction perhaps echoed by the maze-like structure on the left. Editor: There's a primal quality to the imagery, as if Handel is tapping into some collective unconscious, some deeply rooted fear or longing. Curator: The artist's technical skill in etching allows for this range of textures, from the delicate lines to the denser, shadowed areas. It is quite effective. Editor: It's a powerful piece, demanding our attention, unsettling our assumptions. I see the artist using symbols to explore the dark side of human aspiration. Curator: A somber reflection, but one that reveals the artwork's complex artistry. Editor: Precisely.