Florence - Ger Gerrits

A modernist gouache study of Florence by Dutch artist Ger Gerrits, featuring flattened architectural forms and a bold, geometric colour palette.

This work by the Dutch artist Ger Gerrits presents a stylised interpretation of the iconic architecture of Florence. Gerrits employs a flattened perspective, reducing the complex forms of the city to a series of geometric planes and bold colour blocks. The central vertical element, representing Giotto's Campanile, is rendered with simplified, rhythmic patterns that echo the marble cladding of the original structure without attempting a literal transcription. The composition relies on a deliberate contrast between the light, decorative surface of the tower and the dark, angular silhouettes of the surrounding buildings. By using a palette of muted ochre, terracotta, and deep charcoal, Gerrits creates a sense of spatial depth that feels constructed rather than observed. The sky is reduced to a flat, uniform blue, which pushes the architectural forms forward and emphasises the graphic quality of the scene. Gerrits was known for his interest in the structural essence of his subjects. In this piece, he avoids the picturesque traditions often associated with Italian cityscapes. Instead, he focuses on the interplay of light and shadow, using opaque gouache to build solid shapes that define the urban environment. The work functions as a study of form and balance, where the specific details of the Florentine skyline are secondary to the overall arrangement of shapes on the page. The visible brushwork and the deliberate choice of colour demonstrate a clear modernist sensibility, prioritising the autonomy of the image over a faithful representation of the site. This print captures the artist's ability to distil a familiar location into its most essential visual components, offering a fresh perspective on a well-documented subject.