Nieuwe kerk te Delft 1902

Editor: This is "Nieuwe kerk te Delft" by Frits Freerks Fontein Fz., taken in 1902. It appears to be a photographic print. I’m immediately struck by the stark verticality of the church tower, and how it dominates the composition. What structural elements stand out to you? Curator: The rigid geometry is indeed compelling. Note how the receding planes of the plaza and buildings are counterbalanced by the unwavering vertical thrust of the tower. The photographer employs the Golden Ratio through the strategic placement of architectural details, and also of the statues at ground level. This produces an impressive equilibrium. How does the light source affect the perception of form? Editor: It seems to flatten the foreground a bit, doesn’t it? But it accentuates the texture of the brickwork on the tower itself. Curator: Precisely. This nuanced distribution of light draws the eye upwards, and also contributes to the image's tonality, oscillating between subtle variations within a monochromatic scheme. I am compelled by this artist's exploration of photographic materiality. What do you suppose it means? Editor: The contrast enhances the visual tension, directing our gaze upward to focus on architectural features that signify both civic pride and spiritual aspiration. But how does the inclusion of those figures below play into the overall composition? Curator: Observe how the photographer employs linear perspective, guiding the eye deeper into the scene. Each figure is methodically situated to further accentuate the structure’s presence. I contend the human forms reinforce the tower's sublime quality, accentuating the monumental through their diminutive scale. Editor: It's amazing how much can be understood just by carefully considering the formal qualities. This structural approach gives me a new perspective. Curator: Indeed. Formalism equips us with the tools to see an artwork through the artist’s eyes, as a construction of pure form and expression.