Til Uglspil som barn, sovende i sin vugge 1841

Curator: This woodcut print from 1841 is by Carl Peter Theodor Rothweiler, titled "Til Uglspil som barn, sovende i sin vugge", housed here at the SMK. I’m struck by its stark visual narrative. Editor: You know, it's strangely unsettling. The first thing I noticed was the owl perched over the sleeping child – an almost ominous presence, disrupting what should be a peaceful scene. It's as if we've stumbled into someone’s deeply symbolic dream. Curator: Indeed. The narrative draws from Northern European folklore. Figures such as Till Eulenspiegel, often depicted as mischievous tricksters, existed on the peripheries of power and could use laughter and jokes as valid, biting cultural critique. This sleeping child represents an origin myth. Editor: So, this innocent child is destined for a life of rebellion and satire? The heavy shading really emphasizes the vulnerability of the sleeping figures. It makes me question the intentions of those keeping watch, especially with that wide-eyed owl present. Curator: This piece prompts many questions surrounding societal outcasts and the structures that both create and demonize them. The domestic scene provides a safe space, while also placing this nascent social disruption within normative life. These figures, particularly children, symbolize possibilities and futures—but also point to ingrained power dynamics. Editor: Absolutely. It’s remarkable how Rothweiler manages to convey all this through a relatively small print. The fine lines and the subtle use of toned paper give the whole piece an antique, almost haunting, feel. The choice to depict such a common familial tableau, but imbued with unease, speaks volumes. It has a contemporary resonance about the tension between care and predetermination. Curator: Definitely. It allows us to reflect on how individual identities are constructed, how narratives are shaped, and what gets lost or gained in the telling. Editor: Precisely! Rothweiler offers a unique lens through which to examine power, humor, and social disruption. Makes you think twice about what might be brewing while we are sleeping…or being watched.