Twee stadsgezichten te Utrecht: Mariaplaats en Lutherse kerk 1786 - 1792

Editor: We’re looking at "Twee stadsgezichten te Utrecht: Mariaplaats en Lutherse kerk," or "Two City Views of Utrecht: Mariaplaats and Lutheran Church," by Carel Frederik Bendorp, made sometime between 1786 and 1792. It's a print made using etching. It feels very… orderly, doesn’t it? A little stiff. What catches your eye about it? Curator: Stiff perhaps, but charming too, like a meticulously arranged dollhouse. For me, it's the light. See how it gently caresses the buildings, especially in the Mariaplaats view? It's almost theatrical, highlighting the everyday rhythms of the city. And those tiny figures! Each one feels like a miniature actor on a carefully constructed stage. Does the presence of those diminutive figures make you wonder about their stories? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way, but you’re right. They do feel staged. It's interesting you mention the light; now I notice how different the lighting is in the two views. The Lutheran Church scene is much flatter. Curator: Exactly! The upper view practically vibrates with life, while the lower feels more… reserved, perhaps? Could this be intentional, reflecting different aspects of city life, the bustling square versus the quieter church district? Editor: Maybe! Or maybe the artist was just better at capturing light in the first one! It definitely draws my attention more. Curator: Haha! A fair point. Maybe it tells us something of Bendorp's personal fondness. Do you think these neat orderly images could have been made from observation only, or something else informed these depictions of Utrecht? Editor: Hmmm… Perhaps these were made from preliminary sketches or preparatory drawings… Curator: Ah, a very strong and intuitive guess. A print is typically the end product. What did you think of it? Editor: I see it in a completely new light now, thank you!