Twee vitrinekasten 1885 - 1895

Editor: This watercolor and ink drawing from between 1885 and 1895 by Léon Laroche depicts two display cabinets. They're so ornate! I'm immediately drawn to the symmetry and how the artist captured the light reflecting off the glass. How do you approach a piece like this? Curator: Notice how Laroche directs our eye. The lines, colours, and shapes – these are the raw materials of the artwork. Disregard, for the moment, what these objects *represent.* Consider instead their formal arrangement. What shapes recur? How does the artist utilise colour to create contrast and visual interest? Editor: I see a lot of rectangular shapes. And, well, the vitrines are different colours – pale blue and a reddish-brown. Curator: Indeed. Consider the texture implied by the watercolor. See how the varying densities of the washes suggest depth and volume in the drapery versus the flat plane of the wall? This creates a dialogue between flatness and depth. How do you see the interplay of ornamentation on these structures? Editor: Now that you mention it, the ornamentation looks intentionally placed – not chaotic at all! There are little figures at the top, some curvy embellishments on the sides… almost like adding extra texture and colour to a plain rectangular shape. It makes them stand out. Curator: Precisely! The artist directs our understanding through a careful composition. This orchestration of forms allows us to fully grasp the objects being shown. Editor: Wow, I never thought of looking at it that way, as a game with colours and forms, and textures, not just seeing it as old display cases. Thank you. Curator: And I appreciate you sharing your perspective! It's invigorating to revisit familiar ground and find it anew.