‘Saltimbanque en Vriendin’ Opnuut Gelees

Abstract

N.P. van Wyk Louw’s poem, “Saltimbanque en vriendin” (Tristia, 1962), has to be read against the background of the saltinnbanque tradition in literature and painting. Poems of Baudelaire, IVIarsman and Rilke illustrate the mechanism of this tradition: a metaphysical world implied behind the physical world of the artist.

The paintings of Georges Rouault and Pablo Picasso around the figure of the clown/saltimbanque are discussed.

It is shown that the saltimbanque usually represents the poet/author/artist himself. Finally it is pointed out that "Saltimbanque en vriendin" can be read as the groundplan for "Groot Ode”.