Drie Franse nederlagen 1812 - 1813

Curator: Here we have Hermanus Fock’s print, "Drie Franse nederlagen" created around 1812-1813. It’s an etching and engraving, full of little scenes. It’s busy, isn’t it? Editor: It really is! My first impression is one of... well, chaos! There's so much happening in each little panel. It feels like a comic strip almost. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: You know, "organized chaos" might be a better way to put it. Fock's work is drenched in Romanticism, and his realism depicts his perception of the period, especially the cultural perception. He crams it with symbolism relating to Napoleon's defeats - each panel a miniature play. Do you notice how the compositions lead the eye? It reminds me of how we piece together memories; fragmented, symbolic. Editor: I see what you mean about the eye. It definitely jumps around but there’s a sort of flow! What about the... the jokes? They seem very pointed. Curator: Absolutely, and I see irony everywhere. The futility of war immortalized by way of rather macabre caricature. Fock is quite critical. Take, for instance, the first panel and it’s caption, ‘Spanish Saddle, English Marbles.’ See that he contrasts it to needing brains. He's implying something about strategy, no? He may think the alliance lacks it. And then death! Always just around the corner. Editor: Oh, that’s… dark. Curator: Is it, though? I'd argue it's honest. And then, too, there’s his talent! See his etching’s fine detail? Editor: Yes! Considering it's all so small, it is extremely fine work. It makes me want to examine every little figure and detail! I had been too busy with its chaotic appearance to study the detail. Thank you for calling that to my attention! Curator: My pleasure! Art whispers to each of us something unique. Sometimes it just needs a bit of a nudge for us to hear its voice.