Berekeningen 1848 - 1888

Editor: Anton Mauve’s "Berekeningen," dating from 1848 to 1888, presents an intriguing composition, executed with pencil on paper. The mathematical equations scattered across the surface create a surprisingly chaotic, almost frantic mood, which really goes against everything that I understood about Anton Mauve's other work. I’m very interested in how these visual elements are interacting. What strikes you most about the way this piece is composed? Curator: Initially, the disarray captivates the eye, yes, but more substantially I observe the intentionality behind what at first reads as disorder. Each number and equation contributes to the overall texture and rhythm of the drawing. Focus on the tonal variations created by the pencil strokes. Notice how some areas are densely packed, creating darker values, while others are light and airy. Editor: I hadn’t thought about that. I guess it is not that different than his more typical, naturalist landscapes? Curator: Precisely. Even the negative space between the figures plays a crucial role, framing and defining the shapes, very similarly to the way "plein air" painters think of natural shapes interacting. Editor: I see what you mean. What about the use of paper itself? Curator: The choice of paper, its texture and color, also contributes to the work's aesthetic qualities. The slight imperfections and variations in the paper's surface add depth and dimensionality to the drawing. Ultimately, this careful combination elevates what appears to be a sketch into a complex study of form and structure. Editor: Thank you for shedding light on this. Now, it doesn’t feel frantic at all. I appreciate a more structural way to approach art analysis and how you showed me to reveal this sense of balance, order, and the aesthetic purpose.