Spotprent over de stinkende grachten in Den Haag,1884 1884

Editor: This is a pen-and-ink drawing called "Spotprent over de stinkende grachten in Den Haag," or "Cartoon about the stinking canals in The Hague," made in 1884 by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans. The drawing feels satirical, with the stork pinching its nose near what I assume are the polluted canals. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Formally, I observe a sophisticated use of line. Notice how the varying thickness and density of the lines create a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the depiction of the water and the stork's plumage. The hatching and cross-hatching techniques are meticulously employed to model form and convey shadow. Editor: That's interesting! So you are saying that even though the topic is not that nice, the work in itself has strong characteristics in forms, shadow and dimension? Curator: Precisely. The composition is carefully structured, with the stork acting as a central, almost allegorical figure. Observe the stark contrast between the delicate lines defining the stork and the coarser strokes used to depict the surrounding urban environment. It creates a visual tension. Do you perceive any significance in the stork’s posture, specifically its act of pinching its nose? Editor: I would say that the position highlights how disgusting the canals were, even for storks. Curator: Indeed, however from a formalist approach, that adds to the overall composition. A sense of irony that shows us the power of lines and space when conveying such an awful truth. It is impressive how this technique generates aesthetic merit from something unpleasant. Editor: Right, it shifts my perspective. I went directly to the content and forgot to value its technique, and how it’s not devoid of meaning either. Thank you! Curator: A pleasure. By analysing this technique we grasp its commentary through form.