Udkast til Det Kgl. Teaters fortæppe; putti der trækker tæppet til side 1826 - 1830

Curator: Ah, what a delightful study! This is J.L. Lund’s “Draft for the Royal Theatre Curtain; Putti Pulling Aside the Curtain,” created sometime between 1826 and 1830. It's currently held here at the SMK. Editor: My immediate impression is that this work exudes an air of joyful anticipation. The dynamism of the putti pulling back the curtain, a sense of something about to be revealed, it’s quite uplifting, don’t you think? Curator: Absolutely! And consider the Neoclassical style here. The idealized forms of the putti, the clear, precise lines—all drawing from classical Greek and Roman art traditions. This harks back to an era where art aimed to inspire virtue and civic duty, framing theatre as an integral part of a morally elevated society. Editor: Yes, but isn't there also a subtle allegory at play? These figures, seemingly innocent putti, are revealing the stage. The pulling of the curtain, which traditionally conceals, represents enlightenment through the medium of theatre and arts. A social commentary on the unveiling of reality. Curator: Precisely. The curtain itself acts as a symbol of transformation. Before the curtain rises anything is possible, any dream, any character might materialize and whisk you away into their world. The performance of art imitates reality but through heightened or dramatic form, revealing a collective, perhaps unspoken understanding. Editor: What I find interesting is Lund’s choice of putti as the revealers. Throughout history, winged figures traditionally delivered or bore divine messages. Lund may be elevating the art form to being heavenly in some sense. Curator: The use of monochrome also evokes classical sculpture. And notice the preliminary nature of the drawing itself—it's a sketch, capturing the initial energy and idea. It gives us a peek behind the curtain, so to speak, into the artist's process itself. Editor: Indeed! This gives us an added dimension to think about, making visible the many levels of meanings involved here: it suggests not only theatrical revelation but creative inception. The visual culture on display reflects artistic evolution too! Curator: Examining "Putti Pulling Aside the Curtain," truly makes one reflect on the layered social function of public performance and art itself. Editor: Agreed, it also allows the viewer to understand not just theatre and art, but also Lund’s unique interpretation.