Artikelen betreffende Nicaise De Keyser 1839 - 1840

This page from 1839, by Christiaan Hendrik Clemens tells a story of artistic discovery. At its heart lies the motif of the ‘unskilled artist’, a recurring theme in the Renaissance period that harkens back to the classical myth of innate genius. Here, a young cowherd is discovered sketching in the sand by a discerning Antwerp lady, echoing the tale of Giotto, who was supposedly discovered by Cimabue drawing sheep. The recurring image of Saint Mary he copies is not merely religious, but also an archetype of purity and divine inspiration, embodying a motherly image. This narrative taps into a collective longing for the ‘authentic’ creative spirit, uncorrupted by academic training. The recurring trope is not just about skill, but about the psychological allure of raw, untamed talent. It is a cyclical motif that resurfaces, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.