Fragment van een collage van uitgeknipte prenten, geplakt op blauw papier c. 1680 - 1720

This fragment of a collage, assembled with cut-out prints pasted on blue paper, presents a captivating interplay of form and content. The composition, though small at 82 by 130 mm, draws us in with its stark contrasts. The black and white prints against the blue background create a graphic tension, emphasizing the lines and shapes of the figures and landscape. The artist’s process of cutting and pasting introduces a raw, almost disruptive element, challenging the conventional boundaries of image-making. We can consider this work through the lens of semiotics. The uniformed figures and pastoral setting function as signs, hinting at stories of power and leisure. However, the collage format destabilizes any fixed interpretation. The juxtaposition of disparate elements encourages a reading that acknowledges the fragmented nature of meaning itself, reflecting a broader cultural interest in deconstruction and the critique of established narratives. This piece exemplifies how art can function as a site of ongoing interpretation, shaped by both its inherent qualities and the viewer's engagement.