Vienna: St. Michael's Church (Wien: Die Michaelerkirche) 1908

Editor: This is "Vienna: St. Michael's Church," or "Wien: Die Michaelerkirche," a 1908 etching and print by Urban Janke. The way Janke simplified the architectural forms and used color blocking gives the whole piece a graphic quality, almost like a poster. What do you see in it? Curator: Let's consider the picture plane. Janke’s composition exhibits a clear foreground, middle ground, and background, but lacks atmospheric perspective; each plane is given almost equal visual weight. Note, too, the assertive outlines. This is critical. Editor: Because it flattens the image? Curator: Precisely. The linearity and distinct separation of colors reduces depth, moving towards abstraction. Further, the texture achieved by the etching process contrasts against the solid colors to offer nuanced visual information that’s essential to understand the material aspect. What effect does the bold, almost cartoonish lettering have on the whole? Editor: I suppose it contributes to the graphic, poster-like effect I noticed. It’s integrated as another visual element. Curator: Indeed. The typography complements the building’s geometric forms, functioning beyond just descriptive text, right? What about the spatial relationships between elements; how does the tower looming in the back work with the more immediate details below? Editor: It almost feels compressed; like everything’s been pushed forward. I see what you mean about flatness now. Curator: Yes. Through close inspection, we discern Janke’s calculated manipulations that defy traditional representational depth. The lack of gradation pushes us towards a flatter semiotic, giving visual signals rather than a fully formed realistic scene. Editor: That makes so much sense. I never would have thought of it that way. Curator: Hopefully it offers some valuable ideas to develop.