The Valkyrie 1877

Curator: Here we have Hans Makart’s 1877 oil painting, "The Valkyrie." Editor: Whoa, there's something about that expression, like a storm brewing just behind her eyes. She's striking, but in a way that feels contained, thoughtful almost. Curator: The Valkyries, in Norse mythology, were female figures who chose who would live and who would die in battle, guiding the slain warriors to Valhalla. Makart captures a kind of internalized strength here, a psychological intensity far removed from depictions of pure martial ferocity. Editor: Right? It’s not what I expected at all. All that golden armour, that badass spear...but then her face…it’s almost melancholy? Curator: The golden elements, of course, have their traditional symbolic resonance representing divine authority and immortality. Her gaze is directed slightly upwards, suggesting aspiration or perhaps a premonition. Notice too, the black feathered helmet. Ravens often accompany Valkyries, as Odin's messengers bringing information about deaths. Editor: Ooh, I didn’t catch that connection at first. You know, despite the classic heroic theme, it feels so relevant now. Like she embodies the weight of leadership, or anyone making difficult choices in tough times. And what about her profile and gaze; the soft romantic colors... are we romanticizing war here? Curator: It's more complex than a simple romanticization. Makart may be exploring the emotional and psychological burden that comes with power and destiny. And we should remember this portrait emerged within a broader historical moment; it could reflect contemporary political anxieties too. It is less an explicit celebration of war and more a reflection on the costs associated with conflict, painted at a historical distance from Viking sagas but reflecting Makart’s modern context. Editor: I get that; it adds layers for sure. Still, those ornamental flourishes, I have to confess they feel a bit over the top for me! Curator: But ornamentation was essential for Makart to convey ideas about status, cultural memory, and historical pageantry. It's not just decoration; it is intrinsic to how he conveys narrative weight. Editor: Hmm… Fair point. I might have underestimated her a bit then; she carries more complexity than she initially lets on. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. This "Valkyrie" serves not just as an illustration but as a meditation on power, mortality, and the enduring legacy of choice and fate.