April 16th-17th century

Editor: Aegidius Sadeler II's "April" portrays a detailed garden scene. The composition, with its sharp contrasts and architectural elements, feels very deliberate. What do you make of the visual structure of this piece? Curator: Indeed. Observe how Sadeler employs line and form to create a complex interplay between foreground and background. The structure of this engraving hinges upon the architecture on the left as a counterpoint to the manicured nature that recedes into the background, with the figures placed to create balance. Editor: So the composition is as much about structure as it is about representing the month of April? Curator: Precisely. The intrinsic elements of line, composition, and the use of light dictate its interpretation. Editor: That gives me a new perspective on the piece. I was so focused on the imagery that I hadn't considered the underlying structure. Curator: Exactly, and seeing it this way brings fresh insights.