Dimensions: image: 353 x 473 mm
Copyright: © The estate of Julian Trevelyan | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: This work by Julian Trevelyan depicts Paris, using etching on paper. I find the contrast between the meticulous architectural details and the chaotic sky really striking. What do you make of the composition, particularly the use of textures? Curator: Indeed, the juxtaposition is key. Note how Trevelyan utilizes varied etching techniques to differentiate the buildings from the sky. The hatching in the sky creates a sense of movement, while the more controlled lines define the architectural forms. Do you observe how the word "PARIS" anchors the composition, acting almost as a structural foundation? Editor: Yes, the word seems to balance the weight of the Sacré-Cœur in the background. The artist's mark-making is intriguing. It almost flattens the space, right? Curator: Precisely. Trevelyan employs flatness to enhance the graphic quality of the print. The simplification of form and the emphasis on line contribute to the overall modernist aesthetic. I think this print is a successful orchestration of texture and form. Editor: I agree, seeing how the textures build up the image makes me look at prints in a new way.