Washington Arch 1909

Curator: Here we have Charles Frederick William Mielatz's etching, "Washington Arch," created around 1909. It's a wonderful example of his cityscapes. Editor: It’s incredibly atmospheric! The subtle tonality and detail give the entire scene a very peaceful, almost dreamlike quality. The reflections in the water draw you right in. Curator: Indeed. Mielatz was deeply involved in the etching revival, focusing on the working-class districts of New York City as well as more celebratory monuments. We see that laboriousness present in the details rendered in the facade of the arch as well as how the water reflects the architecture, people, and carriages, offering a vision of modern urban life and leisure. The print medium itself speaks to a democratization of art. Editor: Looking at the structural elements, I am struck by how the artist uses the arch as a framing device. It neatly divides the space, focusing attention on the vista beyond while simultaneously creating a sense of depth. Curator: And the material context—think of the copper plate, the acid baths used to create the recessed lines, the physical labor of the printing process, the economic accessibility of a print versus a painting—these choices inherently democratize both subject matter and the art market itself. Editor: Absolutely. The eye also bounces around through the careful compositional distribution of light and shadow across the image, highlighting the different textures-- from the masonry of the arch to the softness of the surrounding trees. Curator: Etchings like this were consumed by a public keen on documenting and possessing views of a rapidly transforming city. They offer insight into the city's infrastructural achievements and the emergent public spaces facilitating new kinds of social interaction. Editor: Considering the balance of forms, the horizontal spread of the lily pads really holds its own against the vertical thrust of the arch. Curator: Mielatz’s Washington Arch offers a complex perspective. Editor: This print, despite its urban subject, presents a beautifully orchestrated arrangement of forms and tones. A successful study, wouldn't you agree?