Loki finds Gullveig's Heart 1911

John Bauer made this drawing, Loki finds Gullveig's Heart, in the early 20th century, and the medium looks like ink on paper. I can just imagine Bauer hunched over the page, his hand moving with such precision to create these intricate details—from the swirling hair of Loki to the texture of the cloak. He seems to be lost in the world of Norse mythology, like he's stepping into the tale himself. There's something so delicate about the way he renders light and shadow here. The line is so delicate that it almost vibrates! It reminds me of Odilon Redon or even some of the Symbolist painters. You can feel the weight of the story, the gravity of the moment, but also a sense of magic and wonder, as if anything is possible in this realm. And it makes you wonder, you know? What other stories were swirling around in Bauer’s mind? What other worlds was he dreaming up with his pen?