Schilderkunst 1772 - 1779

Editor: This is "Schilderkunst," or "Painting," a print made with etching and drawing, dating from 1772 to 1779 by Jean François Janinet, here at the Rijksmuseum. It reminds me a little of architectural ornamentation, something delicate that you might see adorning a wall. What strikes you about it? Curator: You're spot on with the ornamentation—that's its charm, isn’t it? It is also an allegory! I see a symbolic language woven into those flowing lines. Look at the art supplies and books alongside the head—clearly symbols of artistic skill and the rich history that inspires it. What I love is how it captures that 18th-century sensibility, that delight in playful decoration and learned allusion. The lines are so simple but full of personality. Do you get the sense of its playfulness, or is it a little too serious for you? Editor: Playfulness, definitely! Though the red monochrome can feel a little serious on first glance. But the cherubic head, those art supplies tossed about… It stops short of feeling like dry symbolism. Curator: Exactly! It's not weighed down by its symbolism; instead, it dances around it. And it’s got that *je ne sais quoi*, don't you think? It whispers, "Art should be beautiful, skillful, *and* delightful!" Editor: I love the term ‘allegory’! It gives me more context of its symbolism than just a casual glance would. Curator: Well, maybe that's the magic trick! Seeing how much history can be hinted at, inside a beautifully designed art piece. It gets one thinking, doesn't it?