To kvindeskikkelser 1671 - 1738

Editor: Hendrik Krock’s "To kvindeskikkelser", dating somewhere between 1671 and 1738, rendered in drawing, features two female figures reaching upwards. It strikes me as an academic study in pose and expression, almost like a whisper of a grander allegorical scene. What captures your attention in this piece? Curator: Whispers, exactly! To me, it feels like overhearing a divine consultation. The red chalk gives it a warmth, almost flesh-like, but also lends to a sketchiness. A feeling of transient ethereal beings made manifest on paper. Krock’s use of line is confident but not precious. Almost impulsive! Like catching a glimpse of angels through a break in the clouds. What stories do *you* think these figures might be telling? Editor: Stories...maybe the upper figure is guiding the one below? It's hard to say, their gazes are both directed upwards, separate yet united in their yearning. Is that a staff the lower figure is holding? Curator: Perhaps! Or a symbol of authority? It hints at an intentional drama, doesn’t it? Krock wasn't just doodling here. He’s clearly playing with depth and dimension, but then, what do we make of the hatching in the background? It’s so...controlled. Like he was containing their power! What if those women in the sky contained enough power to take off? Editor: That's a fantastic idea! It gives it such an anticipatory mood. I was focused on the figures, but now the background makes the figures really 'pop'! Curator: Precisely! I think Krock would be delighted you noticed that! I always feel, that with a sketch like this, one gets a peek into the artist’s inner workings. A fleeting glance at genius, as it were. Editor: I completely agree. It is so much more engaging now than when I started. Thanks so much!