Dieren 1800 - 1833

Curator: This engraving, simply titled "Dieren," meaning "Animals," by Philippus Jacobus Brepols, created sometime between 1800 and 1833, presents a fascinating study in form. Editor: I'm struck by the almost geometric simplicity of these animal figures. They're like blocky illustrations, not quite naturalistic, yet engaging. What catches your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: Immediately, the rigid structure asserts itself. Consider the deliberate arrangement of these four panels; each operates as a distinct formal exercise. Notice how Brepols employs the framing lines to emphasize the isolation and the individual character of each animal. Editor: They almost feel like studies in deconstruction, like the artist is showing how animals are composed of shapes and lines, which feels proto-cubist to me. Curator: Indeed. Observe the colour choices. The restrained palette further concentrates our focus on the fundamental construction of the forms. Ask yourself: How does the artist employ line weight to create depth and texture, or, rather, the illusion thereof? What impact does it have on the presentation? Editor: I can see what you mean. They aren’t exactly concerned with showing the actual texture of fur or feathers. It is much more about shapes and how they fit together to create these recognizable images. I see a tension between representation and abstraction, even within the details. Curator: Precisely. The work resides within its composition, its arrangement, its exploitation of medium to imply a certain visual architecture, wouldn't you say? Editor: I’ve never considered engravings in terms of architectural structure before. I'll definitely remember that perspective!