Quand on est deux et quand on s'aime 1780 - 1802

Curator: This delicate ink drawing, "Quand on est deux et quand on s'aime" roughly translated as "When There Are Two and When They Love Each Other," comes to us from the late 18th, early 19th century, created by the Danish artist Jens Juel. Editor: It feels like a stolen moment. All those swirling lines of ink somehow trap the light and give a feeling of tenderness... a peaceful isolation under that big leafy tree. It’s very Romantic. Curator: Indeed. Juel was working in a time of evolving societal roles. We see here a very idealized depiction of love and intimacy during a period when traditional structures were being challenged. Notice the classical clothing. This alludes to timeless ideals, elevating the importance of sentiment and private emotion. Editor: But even with the timeless look and feel, it feels surprisingly modern. Is it the intimacy? There’s no pretense here, only affection in this imagined garden. I mean, even their garments are simple and fluid—not stiff or overly decorative as you might expect from a history painting or formal portrait of the time. Curator: And this freedom allows for the viewer to see themselves in such moments. You’re absolutely right about the garden, that Romantic notion of finding harmony with nature also allowed space to question societal and political structure as many artists did at this time. The drawing isn't necessarily challenging those systems, but it's also not reinforcing them in an obvious way, which opens a door to alternative viewpoints. Editor: Hmm. So the garden of love became a quiet act of rebellion, perhaps. It definitely gives the feeling of a little world of their own, like it doesn't matter who else or what else exists in this instant. Curator: That's beautifully put. "Quand on est deux…" allows us to experience a sense of idealized togetherness. It reflects how the era was beginning to conceptualize individuals not as parts of a larger social machine but valuable actors onto themselves. Editor: A little bit of quiet revolution sketched in ink, hidden within simple affection. Thanks, Jens. I will think of this scene during my own reflective strolls in my own backyard.