Man holt met Pepita naar een telefooncel before 1948

Hans Borrebach's drawing presents us with a couple rushing towards a telephone booth. The gentleman, in his formal attire, firmly grasps the door handle, while the woman, Pepita, follows closely. The telephone booth itself is a fascinating symbol. Beyond its utilitarian function as a site for communication, it represents a liminal space, a site of secrets and urgent transmissions. The motif of a couple in transit evokes countless artistic representations of flight and pursuit throughout history, from ancient depictions of Daphne fleeing Apollo to more contemporary narratives of lovers escaping societal constraints. This flight, driven by passion or necessity, carries with it an emotional charge. It speaks to our deepest desires and fears. The telephone, a modern tool for connection, juxtaposes sharply with the timeless drama of human relationships. The couple’s destination suggests a desperate need to communicate, a reliance on technology. It embodies the hope of resolution. Yet it also hints at the possibility of further entanglement. Through this seemingly simple scene, Borrebach captures the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, technology and emotion.