In the Row 

Editor: This sketch, "In the Row" by Charles Samuel Keene, gives me the impression of a bustling street scene. The figures are all crammed together, creating a sense of dynamic energy. What do you see in the composition? Curator: The dynamism arises from the artist's use of line. Notice the density and varied direction of the hatching that shapes the forms. This controlled chaos is tempered by the overall tonal unity. Editor: So, the composition is designed to draw the eye around the image, even though it seems chaotic? Curator: Precisely. It is an orchestration of visual elements, guiding the eye through a carefully constructed space. The repetition of vertical lines, for example, creates a rhythm. Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't considered the rhythm created by the lines. Curator: Considering the formal elements helps us to interpret its aesthetic intention.