Niobe 

Editor: So, here we have a bronze sculpture called "Niobe" by Constant Permeke. There's no specific date associated with it, which kind of adds to its mystery. It's just this disembodied head, eyes closed. It gives me a really somber, almost haunting vibe. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Haunting is a good word! For me, Niobe seems trapped, not just in bronze but in a perpetual state of mourning. I imagine Permeke wrestling with this, the weight of human grief rendered into solid form. Did he want us to empathize or simply observe? What about that raw, almost unfinished texture, almost begging for our touch. It feels ancient, primal even, doesn't it? It transcends any particular time. Does the smoothness or lack thereof enhance how it delivers its feeling? Editor: Definitely! The rough texture gives it such a tangible quality, as if she’s aged and weathered over centuries. And the fact that the eyes are closed, for me, amplifies that sense of deep sorrow; it draws you into her inner world, which makes the work much more evocative. Curator: Yes! The closed eyes suggest both inward reflection and shutting out the horrors of the world. Perhaps, Permeke offers a glimpse into the very nature of suffering. And who was Niobe, anyway, except a symbol for extreme suffering? Almost daring us to turn away. The contrast, as with a rough cut diamond, makes me look closer. Editor: Wow, I hadn’t thought of it that way. It really makes me appreciate how sculpture can convey emotions so powerfully. I think, initially, I missed the reference to classical mythology, which unlocks even more layers of meaning here! Curator: Exactly! And that's the beauty of art, isn't it? There is always something new to discover, just waiting beneath the surface. Thanks for opening my eyes today.