Landscape Number 108 c. 19th century

Editor: We’re looking at Alexandre Calame’s "Landscape Number 108." The dramatic use of light and shadow is immediately striking. What compositional elements stand out to you in this piece? Curator: The pronounced verticality of the cliffs juxtaposed with the cascading water creates a palpable tension. Consider how the artist uses chiaroscuro to define form and evoke a sense of sublime power. The strategic placement of the trees further emphasizes the spatial depth. Editor: So, it’s less about the actual landscape and more about how Calame constructs the visual experience? Curator: Precisely. It's a constructed reality, a symphony of forms, light, and dark, orchestrated to elicit a specific emotional response. The material handling is itself a narrative. Editor: I see, a focus on the form rather than pure representation. Thanks, that’s a great way to look at it. Curator: Indeed, reflecting upon the formal qualities illuminates the artist's intent.