De Klvchteghe Historie van Uylspieghel 1724 - 1865

Editor: So, here we have "De Klvchteghe Historie van Uylspieghel," made sometime between 1724 and 1865, housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It's a print filled with little scenes. It almost looks like an early comic strip. I'm really curious, what do you see in this piece, beyond the obvious narrative? Curator: Oh, darling, it's more than just a narrative; it's a riotous peek into the soul of folk tales. Imagine these tiny frames buzzing with the irreverent spirit of Till Eulenspiegel himself. I see a rebellious wink at the established order, a joyful embrace of the absurd. Each scratch of the engraver's tool breathes life into Uylspieghel's chaotic escapades, doesn't it? It's like peeking through a keyhole into a medieval carnival. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I guess, because they're small, I focused on each little frame, rather than stepping back and seeing the overall intent. Is that rebellious wink a common theme in folk art of this period? Curator: Absolutely! Think of it as a pressure release valve. Society dictates one thing, but human nature often craves something else. And artists, bless their hearts, provide that outlet. The roughness of the woodcut or engraving only amplifies this feeling, it gives it an unpolished immediacy, don’t you think? It lacks refinement in its production, just as its subjects rebel against the status quo, mirroring common folk with earthy sensibilities. It really sings to me of a sort of delightful defiance, almost daring you to disapprove. It feels deliciously alive! Editor: I love that - a delightful defiance. I definitely have a new appreciation for this artwork! Thanks. Curator: My pleasure, darling! And remember, art is never just *seen*. It's felt, wrestled with, embraced… even if it occasionally punches you in the nose with its cheekiness!