Loki and Idun 1911

John Bauer created this illustration of Loki and Idun using ink and watercolour. The drawing features a scene divided vertically: on the left, Idun is depicted with soft lines and flowing hair, symbolizing purity. On the right stands Loki, with sharper, more angular features, giving him a sense of trickery. The contrast in lines highlights their distinct natures. The composition places them close, yet a visible gap suggests a tension between them. Bauer uses semiotics to communicate these characters; Idun carries a basket of apples, which are a clear symbol of youth and immortality. Loki’s darker colour palette and elaborate garments mark him as a figure of complexity and potential deceit. Ultimately, this formal interplay underscores the narrative's thematic concerns: the eternal struggle between good and evil, order and chaos. In its structure, the drawing embodies a cultural discourse around morality and human nature, offering a space for viewers to interpret and re-interpret these timeless themes.