Jacobus II gaat in Waterford aan boord van een schip naar Frankrijk, 1690 1691

Editor: This is a print called "Jacobus II gaat in Waterford aan boord van een schip naar Frankrijk, 1690," or "Jacob II বোর্ডিং এ শিপ টু ফ্রান্স" in 1691 by Pieter Pickaert, a baroque engraving depicting landscape, a seascape with many people gathered and boarding on a ship. It is an overwhelming artwork and the sheer amount of things represented here gives a cluttered first impression. How would you start to look at it? Curator: One could consider first the interplay between line and form. Observe the density of the engraved lines; how they define not only the figures and the architecture, but also the tumultuous sea and billowing sails. Pickaert skillfully uses line weight and density to create a sense of depth and texture. Note the sharp contrast in shading, a signature of baroque aesthetics, deployed here to add drama to a historic event. Does that choice speak to you? Editor: Definitely! It almost feels like too much contrast in places, which detracts from the scenes complexity because it makes the composition a bit too chaotic for me. Would a different type of lines or a higher abstraction degree solve it? Curator: Perhaps. Yet, consider the structural function of this “chaos.” The lines serve to create a vibrant, active composition reflecting the momentous occasion, which depicts the intensity of King James leaving Ireland for France. Consider the geometric distribution of shapes. A pyramidal composition centers the vessel. Do the relationships and alignment that organizes these disparate elements enhance your interpretation? Editor: That is quite interesting and shifts my perspective from simply documenting an event, but actively interpreting and shaping the view of what is important. It's like the technique directs my gaze. Curator: Precisely. So, what new details about this artwork you are noticing? Editor: I see better the relationships among different parts in the scene, a bridge between the architecture on the right and a boat sailing from left to the ship and I get the importance of such bridge better when contrasting elements as the darkness on the waves is related with shadows and details. Curator: Excellent, by focusing on the formal elements we’ve gained a richer appreciation. The sum is often greater than its parts when analyzing form and function.