View of Rouen c. 1869 - 1872

Editor: Here we have Matthijs Maris' "View of Rouen," created sometime between 1869 and 1872 using pencil on paper. It's incredibly faint, almost ghost-like. The details of the cityscape seem to emerge from a misty haze. What do you see in this evocative drawing? Curator: What strikes me is the symbolic weight of a cityscape rendered with such ethereality. Rouen, for many, evokes ideas of French history, particularly the story of Joan of Arc. Maris gives us Rouen, but without the heavy-handed symbolism one might expect. The image seems like a memory fading. It begs the question: What aspects of the city does Maris wish to capture? What emotional connection might he have had with Rouen, to present it in such a delicate manner? Editor: That's interesting, I hadn't considered the symbolic importance of Rouen itself. It almost feels like he's purposefully obscuring it. Curator: Exactly! Consider the steeple, for example, that pierces through the hazy skyline. Steeples are inherently symbolic, directing our gaze and aspirations heavenward. Yet, here, it's just another fragile mark on the page. Perhaps Maris is suggesting the fading power of such symbols, or maybe even contemplating his own fleeting existence. Editor: So, it's less about Rouen as a specific place and more about… the idea of Rouen? Or the memory of it? Curator: Precisely! The drawing then transcends a simple depiction and becomes a meditation on history, memory, and even spirituality. How do we, as viewers, project our own associations onto this somewhat vacant, evocative scene? What past experiences colour our view of it? Editor: It makes me think about how our perceptions are shaped by what we bring to a work, not just what's on the paper. Curator: A beautiful way to look at this drawing, isn't it? It becomes a mirror, reflecting not just Rouen, but ourselves.