De arend 1894 - 1959

Curator: What a majestic depiction. Here we have "De Arend," which translates to "The Eagle," a print drawing at the Rijksmuseum dated between 1894 and 1959 by Gordinne. The work incorporates both pen and watercolour illustration, typical mediums of that era. Editor: My first impression is how static and staged the composition feels, despite its clear aspiration toward dramatic impact. The figure dominates, almost flattening the suggested depth of the landscape. Curator: Precisely. Note the sharp contrast between the meticulously rendered feathers of the eagle and the sketchier background. This draws our focus to the powerful symbolism of the eagle itself. Historically, the eagle represents power, vision, and authority—themes explored across countless cultures and visual traditions. Editor: I see the intended symbolism, certainly, but I'm more interested in how the artist has presented the materiality. The way the colors are layered builds up this incredible sense of texture. Observe the rocky outcropping—it's as tactile as the bird itself. The artist almost fetishizes the act of rendering, wouldn't you say? Curator: Indeed. It transcends a simple representation. Look at the eagle’s talons—they are incredibly precise. Also the eyes - very piercing and intelligent, perhaps signifying wisdom or foresight in a leadership role. The artist appears determined to show a ruler's majestic view of his territory, as the text on the print references a king surveying his kingdom. Editor: Perhaps, but I wonder if there's a subversion here too. The eagle is impressive, but there's a stillness to it, and coupled with its proximity to what can easily be described as caricature it might just miss the mark. The piece walks a tightrope. Curator: A very perceptive interpretation. Considering the artist and timeline, perhaps the stillness is reflective of an artistic commentary of stability or potentially complacency depending on when it was made, the symbolic function here is multi-layered, in terms of context. Editor: Ultimately, a fascinating example of how medium and composition intersect to communicate across time, albeit imperfectly. Curator: Agreed. Its potent imagery invites constant reinterpretation through fresh eyes.