Emmaschool 1903 - 1910

Editor: We’re looking at Hendrik Doijer’s "Emmaschool," a print from between 1903 and 1910. It depicts a simple architectural structure. I’m initially struck by the symmetry of the building facade, even though the open doorway interrupts it slightly. What stands out to you? Curator: The relationship between the facade and depth immediately captures my attention. Doijer presents a stark geometric contrast: the rigid planes of the building against the organic lines of the flanking trees. Note how the photographer’s positioning emphasizes a tension between two-dimensional surface and three-dimensional space. Editor: I see what you mean! It's almost like a stage set with the building as the backdrop. Are there other elements that reinforce this flattening effect? Curator: Consider the limited tonal range. The lack of sharp contrast compresses the visual field, reducing the sense of volume and drawing our attention to the interplay of lines and rectangles. Even the figures become part of the architectural arrangement rather than existing independently within a believable depth of field. The framing provided through photography makes this interpretation possible. Editor: So, the photo is less about capturing reality and more about playing with form? Curator: Precisely. Doijer uses photographic techniques to highlight the formal elements: line, shape, and composition. It pushes realism into abstraction. Editor: That makes me look at the photograph in a different way. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: The power of formalism encourages one to seek essence of artistic creation through analytical observation.