Fortune Telling c. 18th century

Editor: This print, "Fortune Telling" by Christian Friedrich, shows a woman having her fortune read. I'm struck by how the fortune teller is shrouded in darkness compared to the brightly lit woman. What do you make of this contrast? Curator: Indeed. The stark contrast illuminates not just the figures, but also the societal anxieties surrounding fortune telling. Notice how the woman seeks answers, yet remains detached, almost melancholic. The symbols – the flowers, the shadows – speak to a deeper yearning. Does she truly believe what she hears, or is it mere entertainment? Editor: That's a good question. I guess it's hard to say what she believes. Thanks! This was very insightful. Curator: The image leaves us pondering the timeless human desire to know what the future holds, and the symbols we use to grapple with the unknown.