Drawing for a tapestry with the story of Ulysses and Diomedes 1523 - 1605

Editor: This drawing by Jan van der Straet, dating from 1523 to 1605, is entitled "Drawing for a Tapestry with the Story of Ulysses and Diomedes." It's ink on paper, currently held at the SMK in Copenhagen. The muted sepia tones and the somewhat frantic line work give the drawing a busy, almost chaotic feel. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: I observe a conscious manipulation of form intended to communicate meaning. The artist's lines delineate figures within distinct visual registers, creating a sophisticated visual hierarchy. Note the ornamental border. Editor: It does have an interesting decorative quality! Curator: Indeed, that border’s elaborate structure visually contrasts with the central narrative panels, establishing two levels of engagement for the viewer. The juxtaposition suggests the relationship between artifice and event, or frame and content. The composition as a whole appears designed for dissemination. What is your take on its construction? Editor: Well, that wasn't what I was initially seeing. I was getting more of a sense of, the frantic movements, and a dynamic almost overflowing scene, but I'm beginning to appreciate the levels on which the tapestry interacts! Curator: Exactly. The artist utilizes pictorial space and surface contrast to reinforce intellectual readings of narrative themes, so that the design ultimately encourages a multifaceted and perhaps conflicted viewing experience. The semiotic richness encourages diverse interpretations based upon art appreciation itself. Editor: Thank you, it helps reframe my entire perception of the artwork's narrative! Curator: Indeed. That, after all, is the beautiful thing about form; it always finds function in unexpected ways.