Don Quixote takes the wash basin of a barber 1781

Editor: This is "Don Quixote takes the wash basin of a barber" by Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It's a small print, and the cross-hatching gives it a very dreamlike, almost frenetic quality. What can you tell me about the symbols in this work? Curator: Notice how the "helmet" reflects the light, almost mimicking a halo. And the forest, with its hidden figures, evokes a space of transformation. Don Quixote’s delusion becomes a visual quest, doesn't it? He’s not just taking a basin; he's appropriating a new identity. Editor: So, the image isn't just illustrating a scene, but also commenting on the psychological power of symbols? Curator: Precisely! The image captures how cultural narratives shape our perception and memory. Don Quixote's "reality" is built upon layers of literary and social symbols. Editor: That’s fascinating, I’ll never look at Don Quixote the same way again.