Gezicht op het standbeeld van Erasmus op de Grote Markt in Rotterdam c. 1860 - 1900

Curator: It’s so subtle; the stillness of the past just hangs in the air, doesn't it? Like an old sepia dream. Editor: Indeed. What we're looking at is a photograph titled "Gezicht op het standbeeld van Erasmus op de Grote Markt in Rotterdam," dating roughly between 1860 and 1900. The Rijksmuseum houses this cityscape marvel, probably captured by Andries Jager. Curator: "Cityscape marvel"... You make it sound so grand! It feels quite intimate to me, though. Look at the details blurred but not gone! Like holding a memory in your hands. It invites one to wonder—what was going through Jager’s mind as he composed it. Was this meant to freeze a moment? Was it to last? Editor: Good questions! I am stuck on its symmetrical and architectonic features. Consider how Jager placed Erasmus at almost a perfect balance with the industrial iron bridge. Then notice the contrast that the sharp geometries create with soft curves of the buildings. Also it is very smart how the statue dominates the light on the center ground but fades the edges, which directs our eye there by framing, so that no visual element breaks away too much from the central structure. Curator: Ah, that bridge! I hadn’t considered how deliberate it could be… Almost feels as though wisdom literally towers above industry! Erasamus stands with book in hand but without arrogance to offer that bit of thought! All held by these gentle lines. The fog softens even more its rough presence on the skyline, blurring, so nothing hurts our eyes. Editor: Precisely. The way Jager plays with the elements directs how we, as spectators engage. In art, a simple arrangement is more than chance! He also does the same thing using photographic chemistry! By slightly overexposing his picture he conveys timeless beauty to the architecture that might otherwises seem, too vulgar. Curator: Timeless beauty… It’s almost heartbreaking, that pursuit of immortality! Maybe that’s why I connect with it so much. Anyway, thinking about it I think Jager sought through Erasmus figure to provide permanence! I appreciate those details so much that seem ephemeral—smoke, figures walking with purpose to the city— all contrasted and preserved to provide to present and future someone to reflect upon. Editor: Right. When examining all angles of aesthetics within the architecture and its framing of that single figure it’s easy enough for anyone see it. We see then that the picture really tells many different stories if you ask or listen! And, perhaps, through these many small windows into time itself something permanent may be captured— Curator: Leaving us indeed with far more than just sepia tones; it's an invitation into reflection. Editor: Yes, that is beautifully put! This photo then provides viewers to explore and embrace its aesthetic, history, symbolism; as well, how technology plays together when creating memory of any given place throughout history!