The Reeling of Silk c. 1595

Editor: This is Karel de Mallery's "The Reeling of Silk," a detailed print at the Harvard Art Museums. The composition, with its many figures and architectural elements, is quite intricate. What formal elements stand out to you? Curator: The use of line is particularly striking. Notice the precision and clarity in rendering the forms, from the figures' drapery to the industrial equipment. The orthogonal lines create a strong sense of depth and structure, while the varying densities of hatching articulate volume and texture. Editor: So, it's the line work that really defines the image? Curator: Precisely. The interplay of light and shadow, achieved through meticulous engraving, enhances the overall visual impact. Consider how the artist uses light to guide our eye through the various planes of the composition. It's a very structured image, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do. It makes me appreciate the technique involved. Curator: Indeed, technique becomes the subject.