Gezicht op Bern 1850 - 1883

Editor: We’re looking at Florentin Charnaux's "View of Bern," a gelatin-silver print from between 1850 and 1883. The detail is amazing, even considering the age. I’m struck by how the photographer has organized this busy cityscape into clearly defined horizontal layers, with the foreground trees acting like a dark curtain. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: The spatial organization is indeed a key feature. Notice how the dark foreground not only frames but also flattens the middle ground, compressing the architecture into a more abstract arrangement of shapes and textures. This emphasizes the two-dimensional qualities of the photograph. Do you see how the photographer utilizes light and shadow to define form? Editor: Yes, I see it! The strong contrast between the bright buildings and the deep shadows creates a clear distinction between shapes, lending a tactile quality to the architecture despite the distancing effect of the aerial perspective. Curator: Precisely. Also, consider the placement of the cathedral. Its verticality provides a focal point that counters the dominant horizontality, creating a dynamic tension within the composition. Can we perceive a semiotic function related to the cathedral? Editor: It's visually dominant. It asserts meaning. Given its positioning right of center it really directs your focus. Is this perhaps suggestive of Bern's sociopolitical character at this time? Curator: An astute observation, though unconfirmable from visual evidence. Regardless, it suggests the photograph is not simply a record of topographical features. Instead, it should be interpreted through a conscious construction. What are your thoughts on the blurred foliage near the lens? Editor: Initially I viewed the blur as an aesthetic flaw. I realize, now, the depth of field gives spatial dimensionality which is emphasized through stark contrast in light values. Curator: Exactly. Every formal element contributes to a holistic expression that extends far beyond straightforward representation. Editor: This close look really sharpened my understanding! I see so much more than a simple photograph of a city now. Curator: Likewise! Applying a formalist lens enhances how we interpret its underlying structures and artistic strategies.