Capitol of Colorado in Denver, from the General Government and State Capitol Buildings series (N14) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Editor: Here we have, “Capitol of Colorado in Denver,” made around 1889 by Allen and Ginter using colored pencils and print media. It's part of the General Government and State Capitol Buildings series, originally for cigarette cards. I’m really struck by the level of detail in such a small format. How do you see the structure of the image working? Curator: The image presents a compelling study in symmetry and perspective. Notice how the central dome acts as the visual anchor, drawing the eye upwards, yet it is the meticulous arrangement of horizontal and vertical lines—the building's facade, columns, and windows—that establishes a rigid sense of order. The soft pastel palette further reinforces this sense of idealized form. Does this ordered linearity also impress upon you? Editor: Yes, absolutely. I notice, too, that the horizon line is quite low, which exaggerates the building's verticality and gives it this really imposing feel. Does the impressionistic style challenge or support its formalist structure, or does it rather highlight certain elements? Curator: It is an intriguing observation. While the precision detailing aligns it with neoclassicism, the application, verging on impressionistic handling with loose, almost pointillist coloring in the sky and foreground, softens the architectural rigor. One might consider this a pre-photographic method to "frame" reality; where precision drawing meets atmospheric evocation. Does it evoke further architectural works, challenging or reflecting it formal approach? Editor: That makes perfect sense, especially thinking about it as a kind of 'framing'. It highlights the idealized elements of the architecture while allowing for a degree of artistic interpretation. Looking at the color, it evokes Beaux-Arts architecture’s love for rendering stone, for instance. Curator: Precisely. By dissecting its components and their arrangement, we illuminate the essence of its aesthetic and structural design. I find it quite revealing to contemplate the use of color in this cityscape, offering a compelling statement on formalism and beyond. Editor: Thanks! I've learned so much about seeing how different movements contribute to how we understand this single artwork!