Die beiden Türme Garisenda und Asinelli in Bologna 1924

Hermann Lismann captured the Garisenda and Asinelli towers in Bologna using brush and ink. The stark monochrome palette emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow, giving the image a graphic quality. The handling of ink is especially expressive. Observe how Lismann uses washes to define the sky and the more distant buildings, while the towers are rendered with confident strokes, capturing the roughness of their ancient masonry. This contrast in texture adds depth to the composition, evoking the urban landscape with material accuracy. Consider also the social context. These towers, built by wealthy families in the Middle Ages, served as symbols of power and prestige. Lismann's rendering, with its sharp contrasts and dynamic perspective, conveys the towers' imposing presence, reminding us of the historical forces that shaped the city. By focusing on the materiality and the method of his medium, Lismann brings to life the rich past of Bologna.