Music c. 18th century

Curator: This is "Music," an etching by Joseph Wagner, an artist active in 18th-century Venice. The print depicts a cluster of frolicking cherubs seemingly overtaken by musical instruments and scores. Editor: Oh, they're delightful! I’m immediately struck by the sense of chaotic joy—almost as if music itself has come to life and is wreaking adorable havoc. Curator: Exactly! The image plays with the idea of music as a divine force. The cherubs, often associated with heavenly choirs, are here playfully interacting with the tools of earthly music-making. The discarded music scores suggest the spontaneous, unrestrained nature of art. Editor: There's something almost Bacchanalian about their abandon. The cello, towering over them, feels like both a symbol of grand tradition and a plaything to be conquered. It represents more than just an instrument. Curator: Indeed, Wagner uses these youthful figures to explore the eternal themes of creation, inspiration, and the sheer, untamed pleasure of art. Editor: I love the way the artist captures the raw, unbridled energy of music. It’s a reminder that creativity, at its heart, is about joyful exploration.