Vrouwen van de stam der Bellales op Ceylon maken boter 1744 - 1765

Curator: This is a drawing from between 1744 and 1765 by Jean Covitré. The inscription tells us that this is an engraving of "Women of the Bellales tribe on Ceylon making butter," done in ink. Editor: It’s quite striking. The scene has a casual feel, depicting everyday labor. What catches my eye, though, is the rendering of the figures and space with lines. What aspects of the visual elements stand out to you? Curator: I note the compositional structure, which seems organized through the canopy that visually segments foreground and background, thus dividing labor and leisure. What strikes me foremost is how line quality varies. See how short, repetitive strokes define figures against a stark negative space. Editor: I see what you mean, the composition directs us, guiding our eye around different areas of the drawing. Are you drawn to anything besides the contrast of positive and negative space? Curator: Note the subtle use of shadowing around the figures which defines form and adds some depth to an otherwise flattened perspective. What could the recurring palms mean beyond just providing depth to the scene? Editor: The palm trees and open structure lend a unique view into the cultural setting… How might the scene reflect this artistic style? Curator: We can observe some characteristics typical of its period; its approach to capturing an ostensibly authentic scene. The details of posture are translated with strong visual precision and depth by utilizing minimal tonality. The contrast almost reminds you of chiaroscuro. Editor: Right, that high contrast with focused light shaping form makes me see the scene with a certain starkness. Curator: Exactly. The success lies in manipulating line and form that make it unique, not the reference it could offer to the colonial view of Ceylon. Editor: Thank you. Now I’m also noticing the engraving focuses on how these visual qualities work in tandem. Curator: Yes, and those aesthetic qualities define the very artwork.