Peristylium van het Paleis van Diocletianus te Split before 1878

Editor: This is "Peristylium van het Paleis van Diocletianus te Split," a photographic print from before 1878 by Franz Thiard de Laforest. It’s fascinating to see the ancient architecture captured in such detail within this book. The composition is so formal, almost rigid, which makes the grandeur of the architecture really stand out. How would you interpret this work from a formalist perspective? Curator: From a formalist stance, one is immediately drawn to the rigorous composition of this image. Consider the stark contrast created by the photographer between light and shadow which articulates form. Can you discern how this careful interplay guides our gaze across the photograph? Editor: It's undeniable! The dark shadows provide such strong contrast. So, beyond that very visual aspect, what is the effect of it all? Curator: Indeed. The photographer makes powerful decisions about perspective. The photograph employs a centralized perspective, one which places emphasis on architectural lines and geometric forms that convey power and order. What would you say about its surface? Editor: It's not perfectly clear but the albumen print, at first look, appears carefully made, it is smooth which brings me back to the intention, I believe, for formality, rigidity. Curator: Quite right. The tonal range in albumen print enhances the photographic detail. In observing such surface quality in correlation with its architectural form, does this combination inform your interpretation of the artwork? Editor: Yes, absolutely. I didn't think much about surface quality until you called it out. Thanks! It shows that considering an object's surface quality affects my appreciation of photographic art, such as the emphasis on light. Curator: A close, almost forensic attention to details allows for interpretations of photographs beyond documentation of buildings. Looking closely allows the artist's interpretation and understanding of a photograph's composition and materiality.