Detail van de Ursula-schrijn van Hans Memling 1864 - 1900

Editor: This photograph, dating from between 1864 and 1900, captures a detail of the Ursula Shrine by Hans Memling in a gelatin-silver print. The monochromatic palette creates a solemn, almost ethereal mood. I’m intrigued by how the photographer chose to frame this section of the shrine. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: Formally, the composition relies on a clear hierarchy. Note how the figure of Saint Ursula is centered, a vertical axis accentuated by the architectural frame. The subordinate figures are clustered around her, creating a sense of enclosure and visual dependency. The gothic arch itself acts as a frame within a frame, drawing our eye deeper into the image. The varying tonal values create an intriguing contrast that animates the figures and structure, creating further interest for the viewer. Editor: So, it’s all about the relationships between the shapes and tones? Are you not interested in who these figures are or what they represent? Curator: Whilst cultural or historical elements are present in the work, these elements are only important when contextualized and how they effect elements of space and visual dependency in the piece. As a formalist, I am interested only in how the structure allows me to gain meaning from the piece, I have little regard for contextual or outside information, that is merely additional or anecdotal to the structural context. The structure alone has captured a hierarchy that dictates Saint Ursula as an essential figure due to space, volume and compositional decisions. Editor: I see! Thanks for elucidating that. Looking at it this way, the stark contrast does emphasize the hierarchical arrangement so distinctly. Curator: Precisely. Hopefully you also noticed how your own experience has been manipulated using the compositional and colour balance. It has been rewarding to discuss the visual language in play within this fascinating piece.