Dansende nar 1763 - 1804

Curator: Well, isn’t this just bursting with impish energy! “Dansende nar,” or “Dancing Fool,” by Johann Friedrich Gottlieb Unger, captured sometime between 1763 and 1804, if the Rijksmuseum’s notes are to be believed. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the power dynamics at play. The fool’s flamboyant attire can’t distract from the violence of kicking a defenseless bush, the image feels more sinister than playful. Curator: You always bring the sunshine, don't you? It’s an etching and engraving, that old-school comic strip vibe – it's more a jester causing playful mischief. Note how the line work conveys a kind of restless glee, especially in the details of his cap and bells. Editor: Mischief is often just unchecked power expressing itself. Where does this jester get his authority? The court jester was often the only person allowed to speak truth to power – a dangerous position, only possible if one already occupies a position of privilege. Perhaps kicking at this bush is not a rebellious act, but rather an expression of frustration at his own gilded cage? Curator: Oh, now you're making me pity the fool! But the artist is using a limited number of strokes to imply great movement and perhaps commentary too. Do you think Unger intended to say something more substantial with the use of line and empty space, or are we merely overthinking this lighthearted illustration? Editor: I disagree. Unger, through his depiction, reflects society’s tendency to excuse harmful behavior under the guise of 'foolishness'. Even today, we see similar dynamics—where certain groups are given a free pass to inflict harm under the guise of humor. Curator: Okay, that’s…a reading. I saw someone prancing about being generally chaotic. Now, though, it feels like there is so much more weight attached. All these layered ideas simmering just under the surface. I suppose the fool is indeed dancing in deeper, darker waters than I first gave him credit for. Editor: And I initially saw the depths of the water, not the chaotic glee of the dance. It’s a good reminder that a single image, a single "Dancing Fool" can hold so much.