Ontwerp voor illustratie voor De Kolossus der Negentiende Eeuw door P.J. Andriessen (Textill., blz. 68); scène uit het leven van Napoleon 1877 - 1942

Editor: This is a pencil drawing by George Lodewijk de Wetstein Pfister, likely from sometime between 1877 and 1942. It's called "Design for an illustration for The Colossus of the Nineteenth Century by P.J. Andriessen (Textill., p. 68); scene from the life of Napoleon." It feels very domestic for a story about Napoleon. What symbols jump out at you in this piece? Curator: The figure of Napoleon, rendered in detailed military garb amidst this bourgeois setting, practically screams "invasion!" Symbolically, his presence disrupts the quietude, hinting at a cultural unease or even the psychological burden of a heroic figure within a confined space. Do you see how his gaze is directed downward, almost apologetic? Editor: Yes, I see what you mean! I didn't initially read his posture that way. It’s interesting to see such an iconic figure in such an intimate setting. Curator: Right! Notice also the repeated circular motif – the table, the hats, even the arrangement of the figures around the table. Circles often symbolize unity, continuity. Yet, in this image, the circle feels strained, on the verge of breaking apart due to Napoleon's weighty presence. Is this Napoleon’s power or does it hint at an ending? Editor: So it is less about glorifying him and perhaps more about depicting his impact on society at the time. Curator: Precisely. Pfister cleverly uses these visual cues to subtly comment on the weight of historical figures on everyday lives, embedding social critique within seemingly innocuous domestic scenes. The drawing's true depth lies in decoding these nuanced visual symbols. Editor: This was insightful. Now I see how to think deeper about the symbols in a seemingly simple work. Curator: And how a drawing on paper has much more symbolic heft than meets the eye.