Romeo and Juliet 

Editor: Here we have Peter Cornelius's drawing "Romeo and Juliet," currently held in the Städel Museum's collection. It's rendered in pencil and ink on paper. I am immediately struck by the raw emotion, even in this unfinished state. The figures are so intertwined, conveying both love and despair. What do you see in this piece, from a formalist perspective? Curator: The interplay of lines is what captivates me most. Notice how Cornelius uses delicate, almost hesitant lines to depict the fragility of Juliet, while Romeo's figure is rendered with slightly bolder strokes, suggesting a contrast between vulnerability and strength. It emphasizes their interconnectedness. Also, consider the overall composition; the arrangement of figures creates a pyramidal structure, with Friar Laurence and other grieving onlookers framing the central tragic duo. What does that suggest to you? Editor: It emphasizes the dramatic weight of the scene, the gazes converge, pushing it downward on the pair. However, if this drawing is romanticist, why does it maintain academic precision through the figures, drapery and the careful treatment of volume? Curator: Precisely. The precision tempers what would otherwise become histrionic emotion and it provides form and legibility of the romantic agony depicted. It invites us to consider whether academic-style techniques may effectively evoke feelings of dramatic passion. This suggests that Cornelius skillfully balanced academic training with romantic expressiveness. Editor: That makes me think differently about the relationships of contrasting techniques and intentions within the work. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. Focusing on form allows for deeper understanding and new interpretation, leading to a richer experience with any piece of art.