Education, General: Germany. Berlin. Volkskindergarten: Froebelhaus: Tea. 1897

Editor: This photograph by Waldemar Titzenthaler is called *Education, General: Germany. Berlin. Volkskindergarten: Froebelhaus: Tea*. I’m immediately struck by the tonality and how the light emphasizes the children around the table. What do you see in the careful composition? Curator: Notice how the window's light shapes the subjects, creating geometric forms. The central table functions as a plane, dividing the children and adults; the planar composition guides the gaze throughout the photograph, connecting the figures in the scene. Note the hanging book – how might this inclusion destabilize the scene? Editor: So the window and book are compositional devices. I hadn't considered them that way. Curator: The contrast of the planar table and circular window creates a dialogue. Consider the light falling across these intersecting compositional devices as a way to understand the intended dynamism of the image. What have you learned? Editor: The light and shapes are key to reading this image. Curator: Precisely, and the interplay of shapes leads to a deeper understanding.