Along the Jordan River (recto) 1849 - 1850

Editor: This is "Along the Jordan River (recto)" by August Löffler, made around 1849 to 1850. It’s a drawing in watercolor, and it gives me this incredibly serene feeling. There's a certain harmony in how the water reflects the light. What do you see in this piece from a formalist perspective? Curator: A discerning eye immediately notices how Löffler meticulously arranges elements within the frame. Observe the interplay between the horizontal plane of the river and the verticality of the trees. Note how the mountain ranges, depicted in receding planes, contribute to the overall composition, creating a sense of depth. Editor: Yes, the depth is really impressive! I am curious about Löffler’s use of color, how does the tonality contribute to the overall impact of the landscape? Curator: Consider how Löffler utilizes the tonal scale, skillfully layering the watercolor to establish light and shadow. The delicate washes create subtle modulations on the water's surface and the textures of the foliage. This enhances the naturalism while lending an almost idealized quality to the scene. Also, how the limited palette further unifies the pictorial space, and promotes visual harmony? Editor: So, the structure of color gives order to an otherwise chaotic scene? I guess I didn't consider the way it makes you feel. Curator: Precisely! One can also observe the precise line work in defining forms, contrasting against the soft blending of colors. The materiality of watercolor itself allows for the creation of atmospheric effects. Have you also considered this in relation to broader trends of Romanticism? Editor: Not as deeply, but I will certainly think more about how Romanticism shaped the color use. Thank you for drawing attention to it. Curator: My pleasure. Considering this drawing through a formalist lens has revealed not just a pretty landscape, but a meticulously constructed composition of color and form.