Horn c. 1940

Editor: This is "Horn," a drawing with ink and watercolor by Carl Strehlau, dating to around 1940. I'm struck by the contrast between the delicate drawing of the ship and the rough, almost primal shape of the horn it’s depicted on. What symbolic layers do you see in this piece? Curator: The "horn" shape immediately calls to mind ideas of strength and even aggression, a link to the animal world. Yet, inscribed upon it is a ship, a symbol of human ingenuity, exploration, and the drive to conquer. Do you think this contrast is intentional? Editor: It feels intentional, yes, especially with how the ship seems almost contained or tamed by the shape. Curator: Indeed. It’s interesting to think about what the ship symbolizes here. Is it a representation of progress, perhaps, superimposed on a more "primitive" state? The sea is another potent signifier. What's your take? Editor: It gives off this sense of adventure and longing. Curator: Perhaps it mirrors humanity’s eternal desire to traverse boundaries, both physical and psychological. The sea is the realm of the subconscious, of the untamed. Now, consider the implications of the horn itself being "marked" with an image. It evokes ancient practices of imbuing objects with power through symbolism. The work encourages us to look for links between apparently contradictory forces: nature versus culture, instinct versus intellect. Editor: It's fascinating how one image holds so many layers, kind of echoing our own inner conflicts and aspirations. Thanks so much for opening up my perspective on this. Curator: It was my pleasure. The journey of uncovering meaning is never truly over, is it? Every viewing adds a fresh layer to the dialogue.