Augustus 1907 Possibly 1907 - 1908

Editor: Here we have "Augustus 1907," a color woodblock print made possibly between 1907 and 1908, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. I’m really drawn to the layering and how the artist simplified these morning glory blossoms into bold shapes. How do you interpret this work formally? Curator: Its success lies in its ingenious orchestration of line, color and shape. Note how the planar composition denies spatial depth, emphasizing the two-dimensionality. The flowers, meticulously delineated and filled with vibrant pigments, are set against the lattice which itself acts as both background and a structural device. The interaction between organic and geometric forms, creates a dynamic visual tension, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely! It's a simple scene, but that contrast makes it so engaging. Are the color choices significant here? Curator: Precisely. The restrained palette of greens, reds, and the subtle use of the background cream paper tone are deliberately chosen. The interplay of color and the bold outline serve to flatten the forms, furthering the print's formal qualities rather than prioritizing illusionistic representation. What do you notice about the placement of the text box in relation to the botanical drawing? Editor: I hadn't considered that, it balances out the composition – it anchors the left side, echoing the verticality established by the trellis. The color blocks really hold your attention. Curator: Exactly! The formal relationship is crucial to decoding how we 'read' the print as a whole. I appreciate the simplicity but, also the intellectual exercise required for this to become truly compelling. Editor: It’s interesting how focusing on these elements gives me a completely different appreciation for the artwork. Curator: Indeed, it’s through understanding of the compositional elements, the use of the plane, line and block colour, that we grasp a deeper, more meaningful understanding of its essence.