La Né d'une Modiste, 1828 : Chap. XII: Il est part (...) c. 1828

Editor: Here we have "La Né d'une Modiste, 1828 : Chap. XII: Il est part (...)," from around 1828 by Gottfried Engelmann, a watercolor print currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. The image presents a scene of apparent distress. I’m struck by the fragility of the swooning figure, almost theatrical, and I wonder… how do you interpret this work, what narrative threads do you find most compelling? Curator: Oh, isn’t she lovely in her drama? This feels so quintessentially Romantic, doesn’t it? The fainting damsel, a bit of a cliché perhaps, but consider the context. This was likely part of a series or a book illustration – you see the chapter title inscribed. It captures a particular kind of sensibility from the time. The gentle colors soften what might otherwise be melodramatic. What story do *you* think she's acting out? Editor: It definitely has that literary feel. I imagine she has just received some devastating news! Do you think Engelmann intended it to be more ironic, given the title is below, or completely sincere? Curator: I lean towards sincere, at least in the overall tone, while still aware of societal affectation. Artists back then weren’t shy about portraying extreme emotion; it was fashionable to *feel* deeply, dramatically even! The somewhat stiff postures add to my perception, making me smile and suspect there may have been satire in its intention. How about you? Editor: I appreciate you pointing out the "fashionable feelings"! Now I feel it. It gives a lens for its cultural view, making me realize just how staged emotion could be within Romanticism. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! It’s lovely how one small picture can open a whole world, right?