Schermende mannen before 1900

Editor: Here we have "Schermende mannen," or "Fencing Men," a monochrome collotype by Ferdinand Urbahns, created sometime before 1900. It’s really striking how Urbahns has captured all of these fencers in motion. It almost seems like a study of dynamic forms rather than just a representation of the sport itself. What formal aspects really stand out to you in this image? Curator: The composition intrigues me. Observe the rhythmic repetition of figures. Each is distinctly posed, yet part of an integrated frieze. Note the stark contrast between the white figures and dark background. Urbahns isn't just depicting fencing; he is exploring the visual tension between order and chaos, between individual action and collective form. Does the regularity and containment within the border suggest a carefully choreographed ballet or is there a subtle sense of unruly athleticism despite it? Editor: I think it's both actually! There’s a regimented quality, especially considering the repetitive poses, yet you can also feel that dynamism of movement and sport in their positioning. I wonder, what would it mean if the artist had presented the forms from a different viewpoint, rather than as if the band is on a ceiling? Curator: Precisely. Now, think about the light. The light source seems to emanate from the bottom, illuminating the fencers from below, thus distorting conventional perspective. The figures seem to be actively lit which, by inference, also implies they are also active combatants. The upward thrust contributes to the impression of striving or, potentially, escaping from constraints, despite the very evident boundary markings around the frame. Editor: It makes sense how their figures seem to strain from below in the presentation of the work; an astute observation! The discussion of movement in concert with constraint makes the photograph seem very calculated in design! Curator: Agreed. The piece then is not merely representational; rather, it’s an investigation of visual oppositions using fencing merely as a thematic vehicle for artistic expression. We are challenged to find the dynamism embedded within it.