Gotisches Kapitellchen mit Krabben 

Editor: Here we have Karl Ballenberger’s study of a Gothic Crocket Capital, created with pencil, graphite and ink. The rendering of the capital gives the impression of weight despite the airy lightness of the foliage at the top. How do you read the geometry in this drawing? Curator: The structure is immediately apparent. Note how Ballenberger articulates the vertical thrust from the base, counterpointed by the spreading, almost organic forms of the crocket, then stabilized again by the rectilinear abacus at the very top. The pencil work seems calculated to produce a range of tones. What do you observe about that? Editor: The shadowing definitely enhances the three-dimensionality. It is almost sculptural in its depth and makes you believe you can reach out and touch it. Is there a significance to the contrast between hard lines and flowing forms? Curator: It seems to highlight the dialogue between geometric precision, expressed through the lines, and the dynamism of the organic world rendered with the ink wash. Consider how each structural element depends on the others to form a unified aesthetic statement, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Yes, that’s a beautiful way of putting it. It shows that even architectural components can express something about the wider world and how it is organised through contrasting relationships. Curator: Indeed, a meditation on structure and embellishment. Editor: I’ve certainly learned to appreciate how much careful planning goes into making a relatively simple drawing seem so balanced and complete!