Marten 17th-18th century

Editor: This print is titled "Marten" by Johann Elias Ridinger, and it’s part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. The texture created by the lines is quite intense, giving it a really dramatic feeling. What do you notice about the composition? Curator: The eye is immediately drawn to the foreground, where a pack of dogs surrounds the marten. Observe the interplay of light and shadow achieved through varied line density, creating depth. The graphic quality of the print emphasizes the formal qualities of the composition. Editor: So, you’re saying the way the artist used line work creates a sense of drama? Curator: Precisely. The structure of the scene, from the dense forest backdrop to the frenzied action in the front, dictates our reading. It’s about how the image is constructed, not just what it depicts. Editor: I see, focusing on the formal elements really changes how I understand the piece!