Concordia 1663 - 1716

Editor: Here we have "Concordia," an engraving dating between 1663 and 1716 by Jacques-Antoine Friquet de Vauroze. It's rendered in the old engraving style, all these very fine lines creating a scene of figures in classical dress. What draws your eye, what patterns or relations do you see within the composition itself? Curator: Notice how the artist organizes the composition using linear perspective, directing the viewer's gaze towards the handshake at the center. This creates a focal point emphasizing the concord, or agreement. What of the contrasting groups of figures on either side of the handshake, do they imply an element of discord? Editor: Yes, absolutely. The soldiers on the left versus the winged figures on the right creates an interesting contrast. It also occurs to me that the architectural elements visible behind them appear distinct. Curator: Indeed. The engraving’s symmetrical arrangement reinforces the concept of balance and harmony. Consider the use of light and shadow. Note the cross-hatching employed to create depth. This element enhances the texture and volume of the forms, providing a tactile quality. Editor: I see that. So much detail emerges from this network of lines. I wouldn't have thought about texture in an engraving, but I see how it guides my perception of the scene. Curator: The octagonal border further emphasizes the artwork’s internal structure. This rigid geometry serves to contain the fluid forms within the central image, producing tension, and also implying boundaries. Editor: It is almost as though the artist wants to define this concept, ‘Concordia,’ as something structured rather than free. I didn't really consider that before! Curator: The artist invites viewers to contemplate not only the allegory but also the formal techniques used to convey it, from the visual weight created with lines, the structural tension in the scene, and the texture created. This artwork is full of lessons.