Town Hall, Brussels c. 19th century

Editor: This is Louis Haghe’s "Town Hall, Brussels." The architecture is so intricate, and the way it towers over the crowd creates a real sense of grandeur. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The lithograph presents a compelling interplay of verticality and horizontality. The eye is drawn upward by the assertive lines of the Town Hall's spire, yet held by the horizontal massing of the crowd. The artist utilizes a limited tonal range, emphasizing the meticulous draftsmanship. Notice the density of the lines that gives the structure weight. Editor: It's interesting how the lines really define the structure. I hadn't considered that before. Curator: Precisely. It is through this application of line and form that Haghe evokes a sense of monumentality. Editor: I see the monumentality, the visual language really shapes the building's presence. Curator: Indeed, a testament to the artist's technical skill.