A Fortified Seaport c. 1689

Editor: This is Jacob van der Ulft’s, *A Fortified Seaport*. It’s an ink drawing. The sepia tones give it a very nostalgic feel. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: The composition is structured through a play of light and shadow. Notice how the artist uses tonal variations to define forms and create depth. The horizontal bands of the sky, land, and water contribute to a sense of balance. Editor: That's a great point! It seems like the artist really prioritized the relationship between light and form. Curator: Precisely. The effectiveness of the work lies in its formal arrangement and the way in which the artist manipulates the medium to create a cohesive visual experience. Editor: I’ll definitely pay more attention to the balance of light in other works I encounter. Curator: And I will try to focus more on the emotional impact of the subject!