Three galleys; Turkish, Italian and Sardinian 1598

Editor: This engraving, "Three Galleys; Turkish, Italian and Sardinian," by Crispijn de Passe, dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century, shows three galleys in choppy waters. The meticulous line work is striking. What do you see in its formal composition? Curator: The emphasis on line is indeed paramount. Observe how de Passe uses hatching and cross-hatching to delineate form and suggest depth, creating a dynamic interplay between light and shadow on the water and sails. The linear precision defines the galleys, highlighting their structure. How does this rigorous application of line affect your reading of the image? Editor: It makes it feel very precise and detailed, but also a bit stylized and less about capturing a realistic scene. It is more about the visual structure. Curator: Precisely. The formal elements supersede pure representation, elevating the image to a study of form and technique. The galleys become vehicles for exploring the possibilities of line and texture.