Puck mit Kleidung, in die Seite gestütztem Arm und von vorn c. 1867 - 1868

Curator: Ah, here we have a rather curious piece. It's a pencil drawing by Paul Konewka, made around 1867-68. It's titled "Puck mit Kleidung, in die Seite gestütztem Arm und von vorn," which translates roughly to "Puck with Clothing, Arm Supported on Side, and From the Front". Editor: My goodness, "Puck" indeed! He has a wonderful defiant stance! Looking away from us like he's just been caught mischievously planning something. It reminds me of old Greek sculptures, even though the rendering here is much sketchier and more informal. Curator: Precisely! The name itself alludes to that sense of mischief and ethereal spirit; this “Puck” might point towards folklore or a representation of natural energy… or, maybe more realistically, a life study done in Konewka's studio. Who knows why he named it Puck? Editor: Or maybe the model WAS called Puck! Jokes aside, to my eyes, the pencil lines, the way they so lightly and almost tentatively suggest the form, gives him a fragile vulnerability. It also appears to be drawn on what looks like scrap paper… See, on the edges here. It feels like a quick, almost stolen moment of observation. Curator: Absolutely! The very imperfection of the paper seems to underscore its transience – which reinforces our initial notion of “ethereal.” He’s leaning on something, but its vague suggestion leaves a space for interpretation, maybe it's the border between our known and unseen world? What feelings are brought up when seeing Puck lean onto his own arm? Editor: It is fascinating how our eye wants to create something tangible of that missing prop. Perhaps because a prop also gives an indication to the era it was created in. The support given from the leaning, almost in despair, is a heavy contrast with his almost arrogant defiant side eye! You almost feel guilty looking, knowing he may break out in a million pieces! Curator: Indeed! In a way, maybe he does break – shifts from image to suggestion – right before our eyes. His defiance remains, but its root seems to have completely vanished in today's light. This little sketch contains an entire epic within. Editor: Well put! It's a delightful and wonderfully enigmatic work – leaving you to invent and discover something new with each view.