Loki finds Gullveig's Heart 1911

John Bauer made this eerie ink drawing of Loki with Gullveig’s heart sometime in the early 20th century. It's all about lines, thin lines that swarm around to conjure form. It's a tonal drawing, where shade creates depth. Look at the way the dark cloak contrasts with the white heart, or body, snaking around Loki. The eye is drawn up and rests on his face, and the little dark apple he holds. It’s a study in holding, isn’t it? Loki has this strange fruit cupped delicately in his hands. What is he thinking? What is he about to do? We don’t know, but Bauer lets us imagine. He lets us linger in that moment of doubt and anticipation. It's like a slightly sinister take on the kind of illustrations made by Aubrey Beardsley. But perhaps a little less decisive, leaving more to the imagination.