Stadhuis te Dendermonde before 1889

Editor: This is a photograph or print titled "Stadhuis te Dendermonde," created before 1889 by an anonymous artist. It seems to be a depiction of a city hall, but what strikes me most is the almost overwhelming verticality established by the tower in relation to the more squat horizontal base. What structural aspects do you find most interesting? Curator: The stark contrasts in texture—smooth stone versus intricate carvings—contribute significantly to its visual appeal. Notice the careful orchestration of light and shadow. How the light glances off the textured surfaces and creates dynamic highlights? This interplay delineates the architectural details and emphasizes the volume of the building. The composition guides our eye upward, culminating in the intricate apex of the tower. Editor: That's interesting, the interplay between light and shadow emphasizes the geometric volumes; that wasn’t immediately obvious. Would you say the upward thrust contributes to the work's success, formally? Curator: Precisely. The tower acts as a visual anchor but also propels the eye upwards. Consider how the rhythm of windows and decorative elements contributes to the overall visual cadence. There is also a powerful contrast at play, considering that the vertical thrust has some interruptions and breaks in an upward visual flow because of the various decorations in between. The choice of material—likely stone—further accentuates the structure's weightiness and permanence, conveying a sense of authority. Editor: The cadence you mentioned, created by the rhythm of the window and decoration placements, also helps direct your gaze toward the highest part of the image and structure. Looking at this image formally gave me a deeper sense for what the city hall must have been trying to represent! Curator: Indeed. Close observation of compositional and textural elements provides insight into the artwork. Focusing on the visual elements gives a fresh perspective.