Ongevallen van mijnheer Verstrooid c. 1902

Curator: Here we have "Ongevallen van mijnheer Verstrooid," a lithograph by Pellerin & Cie., dating back to around 1902. Editor: This work presents a grid of scenes. Each seems to capture a different mishap, almost like a visual gag reel from that time period. What intrigues me most is the linear narrative, yet, without clear indication of what unites them besides, of course, the clumsiness of our protagonist. As a formalist, what do you see here? Curator: The lithograph utilizes a crisp linearity that gives clarity to each sequential panel, allowing a clean and unbroken view across the depicted mishaps. Notice how each panel adheres to a consistent visual vocabulary, where colors like the pale yellows, reds, and blues harmonize within the confines of its structure. Are you also perceiving how the division of each mini-narrative through structured rectangles affects your experience? Editor: Absolutely, there is rhythm created through that division. However, the color seems very simple, with rather abrupt application. Are we missing anything important? Curator: That color execution does not seek depth; its purpose is graphic clarity. Consider that within formalism, it's not necessarily about absolute perfection. The charm comes from a successful semiotic transfer. The formal components must trigger further examination, thus leading towards comprehension, agreed? Editor: Yes, definitely. Seeing the sequential panels not as a simple series, but as building blocks in a visual argument... that's a fascinating shift. It highlights the compositional strategy, rather than immediately searching for the social intention. Thank you.