View of Bergen op Zoom from the East c. 1671 - 1672

Editor: This is "View of Bergen op Zoom from the East" dating back to around 1671-1672, created with ink. The landscape feels so open, but also framed, and almost concealed. What strikes you most about the composition? Curator: Immediately, the strategic arrangement of elements seizes my attention. Observe how Klotz orchestrates a dialogue between depth and surface through tonal variations and strategically placed trees. Do you notice how the trees act as both framing devices and structural elements within the image? Editor: Yes, it is like the eye is guided to the cityscape, but is constantly being brought back to the foreground with the detail in the trees. Curator: Precisely. It is a sophisticated manipulation of perspective and plane. Note also the recurring verticals created through trunks, and echoed in the architecture afar. This gives the impression of harmony, almost like music notation. Klotz makes use of calligraphic marks and patterns to create visual harmony within the artwork. Are you finding this structural breakdown useful? Editor: Definitely, I had not noticed how deliberately Klotz had designed each plane in the landscape. Thank you for pointing this out! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking structurally helps clarify meaning; and it works vice versa too. Now it seems even richer than before! Editor: I'm taking away a much deeper appreciation for Klotz's purposeful organization here. I see how technique and visual effect shape the entire viewing experience.