Ruïne met spitsboogdoorgang 1830 - 1899

Editor: Here we have "Ruïne met spitsboogdoorgang," or "Ruin with Pointed Archway," an etching by Alexander Schaepkens, made sometime between 1830 and 1899. It has a haunting, almost skeletal quality to it, this depiction of architectural decay. What do you see in this piece that stands out? Curator: The formal interplay of light and shadow is captivating. Observe how the artist meticulously renders the texture of the aged bricks, achieving a tactile quality through variations in line density. It prompts a deep study of the geometric principles embedded within the archway's construction. Note also the whiteness in the pointed archway contrasting to the black stone. It almost seems as if the whole print is designed to draw our eye to a spiritual infinity. What does the texture convey to you? Editor: The texture definitely emphasizes the ruinous nature, this tangible sense of crumbling. I'm struck by how the archway, though incomplete, still holds a certain structural integrity. It is very fascinating. But the rough sketchy look suggests more than just physical structure. It almost hints to something about the structure of how art itself reflects upon structure and its destruction? Curator: Precisely. Schaepkens utilizes the formal elements to create a dialogue between the enduring and the ephemeral. It serves as an almost semiotic sign of time. Look carefully at how the horizontal lines in the print almost vanish near the middle only to reappear as the bottom most row in the structure. They emphasize decay not by the destruction of architecture, but its continued rebirth. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't noticed how much it plays with your own perception, rather than telling you directly that this is decayed, this is worn down. The ruin doesn't represent collapse but continuity, an ongoing structure and evolution. Thank you so much! Curator: My pleasure! It has been enlightening to reconsider it this way, through your eyes as well!