Illustration to Ivan Krylov's fable 'The Ant and the Dragonfly' 1912

Editor: So, this watercolor is called "Illustration to Ivan Krylov's fable 'The Ant and the Dragonfly'," by Heorhiy Narbut, created in 1912. The colours give the piece this quaint storybook mood. What exactly do you make of it? Curator: Isn’t it fascinating? The colours pull you right in, a little like stepping into a memory. It evokes that early 20th century symbolism mixed with Ukiyo-e Japanese woodblock prints influence - don’t you see it? How these tiny human figures within grand scenes give the natural elements emotional weight. Editor: Yes, absolutely! The perspective makes you feel very small! And is it just me, or is the dragonfly portrayed almost… sympathetically? Curator: Hah! Sympathetically! You know, fairytales can reveal uncomfortable truths! Maybe the artist wants us to ponder the Dragonfly's choices... her vibrant wings juxtaposed against the practical labourer is pretty striking. Who decides whose path has value? What do you think he is hinting at by dressing both characters like humans? Editor: That makes the story relevant outside the insect world...more universal somehow! Curator: Exactly. It moves from fable to metaphor for, oh, ambition, class, maybe even art itself. All shimmering on a foundation of labour and practicality. It invites speculation – just like a great work of art should, eh? Editor: It really does! Thank you; I hadn’t considered all those different levels! Curator: My pleasure! That’s what’s delightful about these little scenes – they reflect back what you bring to them!