During the fair 

Editor: We're looking at "During the Fair," an ink drawing on paper by Theodor Alt, held at the Städel Museum. The sketchiness of the pen work gives it a feeling of spontaneity, like a quick snapshot of a bustling scene. What's your interpretation of this piece, considering its composition and details? Curator: Observe the dynamic interplay between the two distinct groups depicted. On the left, the figures seem to be engaged in solemn religious rituals near a church, while the figures on the right, in contrast, appear to be enjoying themselves in a festive gathering at a fair. Note how the artist uses line weight and density to differentiate these spaces. The figures on the left appear lighter, ethereal even, with their delicate lines. The figures on the right display more boldness and aggression through the lines of the pen. Editor: So the contrast is built into the materiality, as it were. The use of pen-and-ink itself reinforces this juxtaposition. Are there other elements of the visual language that enhance this? Curator: Consider the composition itself. The linear arrangement of the figures, segmented roughly into thirds horizontally, dictates how our eyes navigate the scene. Note the strategic use of implied lines and the spatial relationships crafted through careful mark-making. These aren't mere representations; they are formal devices. Editor: So, by focusing on the materiality and arrangement, we gain a deeper appreciation, understanding how those relationships inform the whole artwork and communicate a certain, somewhat dissonant, meaning. Thank you for illuminating that! Curator: Indeed. By engaging with these formal aspects, we start to unravel how artworks establish internal relations and generate signification.